What information must be included on a controlled substance bottle label?

Including the date, pharmacy name, and patient's name on a controlled substance bottle label is essential for several reasons. The date helps ensure that the medication is dispensed within an appropriate timeframe and confirms when the prescription was filled, which is particularly important for tracking the validity of the medication and for compliance with state and federal regulations.

The pharmacy name identifies the source of the medication, allowing for traceability and accountability in case any issues arise with the dispensed product. This is vital because controlled substances are subject to strict regulations due to their potential for abuse and misuse.

The patient’s name is crucial for ensuring that the medication is being dispensed to the intended recipient and helps avoid medication errors that could occur if medications are mixed up or given to the wrong patient. Proper labeling with patient information is a regulatory requirement designed to enhance patient safety and ensure proper use of the medication.

In contrast, while other options may seem relevant, they do not fulfill the specific regulatory requirements established for controlled substance labeling. For example, a patient's telephone number is not universally required on medication labels and may not be pertinent to ensuring compliance. Similarly, the pharmacy license number is important for pharmacy operations but is not a mandated element on the label itself. Drug storage information, while important for maintaining the