Controlled Substances

Controlled Substances

Defining “controlled substances”

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies certain medications with the potential for psychological or physical dependence as controlled substances. They can be classified as Schedule I, II, III, IV and V controlled substances. Some states also recognize Schedule VI drugs as controlled substances. Schedules might vary by state.

Ordering for home delivery

You can get controlled substance medications delivered to your home with certain restrictions. Schedule III, IV and V medications require the signature of an adult age 21 or older. (CVS.com no longer fills prescriptions for Schedule II medications.)

CVS.com no longer contacts a health care provider for approval to dispense a controlled substance unless the patient has filled a prescription through CVS.com before or is transferring the prescription from another pharmacy. If this isn't the case, your health care provider must mail us a hard copy of your prescription.

For more information, read Shipping Information. You can review Special Prescription Deliveries for a list of Schedule III through V medications.