Schedule II opioids (e.g., morphine, oxycodone, metha-done, hydromorphone) play a major role in the management of symptoms at the end of life. Because of possible abuse, trafficking, and diversion of opioids, federal statutes mandate that appropriate safeguards be adhered to by prescribing clinicians and dispensing pharmacists. There are regulations that are important to understand for patients in hospice and long-term care settings, or who may have rapidly changing symptoms at home. This Fast Fact will review U.S. federal regulations regarding prescribing schedule II drugs. Note: some states may impose more restrictive regulations (check with your state licensing boards for specifics) and individual pharmacists may enforce these regulations with variable stringency.
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