When a new drug becomes classified as a controlled substance, when must the inventory be performed?

When a new drug is classified as a controlled substance, it is mandatory to perform an inventory immediately. This is critical as it establishes a baseline for the amount of the drug present in the pharmacy or facility at the time it enters the controlled substance schedule. The immediate inventory ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and provides an accurate account of the drug to prevent discrepancies or unauthorized use in the future.

Establishing this immediate record is important from a legal and safety perspective, serving as an official document that reflects the pharmacy's responsibility to manage controlled substances properly. Consequently, having an accurate inventory from the moment the substance is classified ensures that all handling, prescribing, and dispensing activities align with state and federal regulations for controlled substances.