Can Legend drugs such as Codeine be dispensed without a prescription?

Legend drugs, also known as prescription drugs, are substances that are deemed unsafe for self-medication and therefore require a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider for dispensing. Codeine, classified as an opioid and a controlled substance, falls under this definition, meaning it cannot be dispensed without a prescription.

The rationale behind requiring a prescription for legend drugs is to ensure that a healthcare professional evaluates and monitors the appropriateness of the drug for the patient's specific condition and to mitigate the risks associated with misuse and adverse effects. In the case of Codeine, this restriction is particularly important due to its potential for addiction and other severe side effects.

While some drugs may have specific exemptions under state or federal laws, legend drugs like Codeine do not have such allowances and must always be obtained through a prescription regardless of the situation or patient circumstances.