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How can I verify my prescription is legitimate?
How to Verify Your Prescription is Legitimate
Getting a new prescription filled can be nerve-wracking. You want to make sure the medicine your doctor prescribed is safe and effective. But how do you know if the prescription itself is valid and not fraudulent or forged? Here’s some tips to help you verify that your prescription is legit.
Check the Basics
First, look over the prescription and make sure all the basic information is there and looks accurate. This includes:
- Your name and date of birth
- Name of the medication
- Dosage amount and form (pill, liquid, etc)
- Directions for use
- Number of refills
- Your doctor’s name, address, phone number, and DEA number
- Doctor’s signature
Look closely at the doctor’s information – is it someone you’ve actually seen before? Does their DEA number match up with records online? If anything looks fishy, that’s a red flag.
Call the Doctor’s Office
If the prescription looks legit but you still have doubts, call your doctor’s office. Ask if they have a record of prescribing that medication for you on that date. They may be able to confirm it’s real. If they have no record of it, then it could be fraudulent.
You can also ask them to send over a copy of the prescription directly, so you can compare it to the one you have. Look for any differences in doctor’s signature, wording, etc.
Talk to the Pharmacist
When dropping off your prescription, discuss your concerns with the pharmacist. They are highly trained to spot signs of forged or tampered prescriptions. Things like:
- Doctor’s signature looks shaky or unusual
- Multiple prescriptions for the same medication
- Prescription doesn’t match doctor’s typical prescribing patterns
- Medication or dose seems inappropriate for your condition
By law, pharmacists cannot fill a prescription they believe to be fraudulent. If the pharmacist has doubts, they will verify it directly with your doctor before dispensing.
Check the Prescription Monitoring Program
Most states now have Prescription Monitoring Programs (PMP) to track controlled substance prescriptions. This helps identify “doctor shopping” or people obtaining multiple prescriptions from different doctors. Patients and doctors can check the PMP database to see all controlled substance prescriptions filled under your name.
If a suspicious prescription shows up that you didn’t actually fill, it’s likely forged. Report it to your state’s PMP. This helps prevent prescription drug abuse and fraud.
Watch for Red Flags
Be alert for any of these common signs of prescription fraud:
- Prescription looks photocopied or scanned
- Multiple prescriptions for the same medication from different doctors
- Doctor’s signature or handwriting looks different than usual
- Pharmacy name, doctor’s name, or DEA number looks altered
- You were prescribed a medication without an exam, diagnosis, or medical reason
- Prescription is for an unusually large quantity or high dose
- Prescription is for a controlled substance from an out-of-state doctor
If you notice any of these issues, do not try to fill the prescription. Report it to your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Know Your Prescription Laws
Prescription rules can vary by state, so it helps to know your local laws. For example, some states limit initial prescriptions for controlled substances to a 7-day supply. Some prohibit faxing prescriptions for controlled substances. Others have electronic prescription mandates.
If a prescription violates your state laws, the pharmacist cannot fill it. Look up your state’s requirements so you know what to expect.
Ask About Safety Features
Many states now require tamper-resistant prescription pads with security features to prevent fraud. These may include:
- Watermarks
- Microprint
- Chemical coatings
- Heat, scan, or copy void pantographs
- Serial numbers
- Barcodes
Ask your doctor and pharmacist if your prescription contains these safety measures. It’s also harder to counterfeit prescriptions generated electronically or faxed directly from the doctor’s office.
Report Any Suspected Fraud
If you have evidence that a prescription is forged or altered, report it. Contact your state’s medical board, attorney general’s office, or police to file a complaint. This helps stop prescription drug diversion and prosecute offenders.
You can also report it to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). They run an online tool to verify pharmacy and drug pedigrees called Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS).
Trust Your Instincts
If something seems questionable about your prescription, listen to your gut. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health. Don’t hesitate to speak up and get clarification – doctors and pharmacists are there to help.
With vigilance and open communication, you can feel confident your medication is legitimate and OK to take. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to protect your health and safety.
FDA – Ensuring the Safety of Your Prescriptions
Consumer Reports – How to Make Sure Your Prescription is Filled Correctly