Drugs are ranged in a number of classes. The lower the number, the more dangerous a drug can be. There are 5 classes of drugs – all with regulations in how and why they can be used. All drugs sold in Kaldus must be processed through the FDA, and any new drug must be approved by them, and any restrictions on what that drug can be prescribed for. The drug categories are as follows:
- Very Dangerous Drugs
- Dangerous/Needs Supervision
- General Prescription
- Non-essential Prescription
- Over the Counter
Class 1
These drugs while they might help are very dangerous to use, and must only be used when it is absolutely necessary. Such drugs will include cocaine, LCD, and fentanyl. All class 1 drugs must be approved by the FDA to use with that patient. For example, if an anesthesiologist feels that fantanyl is the only drug that would help with the patient’s pain, then the anesthesiologist must apply for an exemption for the drug. If approved, the FDA will deliver the drug to the physician’s office where the patient will have to go to the office to pick it up. This must be done every 90 days at the very least. The doctor must actually see the patient in the office every 90 days or less. If this does not happen, then the drug can not be provided. Pharmacies will not be able to stock Class 1 drugs.
Class 2
These drugs can be addictive or otherwise dangerous. As with Class 1 drugs, the doctor must physically see the patient to be allowed to administer the drug. However, unlike Class 1 drugs, Class 2 drugs can be filled by a pharmacy. However, that pharmacy prescription can not be transferred to another pharmacy network, and only a different pharmacy in the same network if the chosen pharmacy does not have that drug in stock. Example of Class 2 drugs will include opioids, and cancer medicine
Class 3
This is where most drugs fall into place. As with Class 1, an 2 drugs, class 3 must also be prescribed by a specialist if more than 14 days. However, the physcian does not actually need to see the patient. Instead, a visit can happen over the phone, and there must be at least 1 visit per calendar year. Obviously, if a patient has a drug concern, then the patient should contact the doctor. Class 3 drugs are almost all drugs. Class 3 drugs can be sent to any pharmacy, and prescriptions can transfer if the patient wished to change pharmacy network. Insulin and Vaccines will also fall in Class 3 drugs.
Class 4
These drugs are not medically necessary. With that said, Health1 will not cover the drug cost. These drugs still require a prescription, and like Class 3, they can transfer to another network if the patient so desires. The most recognizable drugs in Class 4 will include erectile dysfunction medicine.
Class 5
Class 5 drugs do not need a prescription to acquire. A patient will simply walk into the pharmacy, acquire the drug, and leave. In some cases, the patient might need to see the pharmacist, but this is because of the drug itself rather than any sort of precaution. Class 5 drugs will include Tylenol, or Benadryl.