the symbol that originated in medical prescriptions. "℞" (also written as "Rx") and "medical prescription" are sometimes used interchangeably. The use of ℞ in prescriptions originated as an astrological symbol that was written for talismanic reasons at the start of medical prescriptions. Later it changed into (an uppercase R with its tail crossed), and was used as an abbreviation for the Latin word recipe = "take" (imperative), i.e. an instruction to the pharmacist to take the items listed in order to prepare the medicine. When printing came, it was rendered as "Rx"
Rx or legend drug is a legal description in the United States for drugs that are only available on prescription from a licensed medical practitioner but are not controlled substances