Methadone Detox: Methadone Facts

Question: Can a pharmacy technician take a methadone detox order over the phone and give to a pharmacist for dispensing?

(Posted by: REGINA G on 2010-06-17 16:29:44)

I work at a County Jail and there is a methadone (schedule II drug) detox program for the immates.The Pharmacy Technician are instructed to call methadone clinics to get the last dose of the patients so that a Pharmacist may start to detox the patient.My question is can a Pharmacy Technician take a methadone last dose order over the phone from a clinic and give it to a Pharmacist to start administering on a detox program.

Posted by: Bad Dad on 2010-06-17, 16:44:07

Because the laws vary state by state, and are subject to federal laws also, you should direct your question to your respective state Board of Pharmacy. This is the only way to guarantee compliance with the law. There are significant penalties for the improper handling of this Federally controlled substance.

Posted by: Lea on 2010-06-17, 18:17:03

Methadone orders cannot be taken over a phone. They have to be written or in certain cases, the can be faxed in. A pharm tech cannot accept a phone in rx anyway. A tech can call and ask another pharmacy when was the last time someone received a drug, though.