Pharmacy Law Practice Exam

How many times can Schedule III and IV medications be refilled within six months?

1. Up to 2 times

2. Up to 5 times

3. Unlimited refills

4. Only once

The correct answer is: Up to 5 times

Schedule III and IV controlled substances can be refilled up to five times within six months of the date the prescription was issued. This is in accordance with the federal regulations established by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The law allows for a maximum of five refills provided that the prescription is still valid and there are no changes in the patient's condition that would necessitate a new prescription. It's important to note that after the initial six-month period or once the maximum number of allowed refills has been reached, a new prescription must be obtained in order for the medication to continue to be dispensed legally. This ensures adequate monitoring of patients on these medications and reduces the potential for misuse or overuse. Other choices indicate a misunderstanding of the refill limitations for these schedules. For example, only one refill would not align with the regulatory framework allowing for more access under specific conditions, while the concept of unlimited refills contradicts the need for prescription controls intended to mitigate risks associated with certain medications. Additionally, the two-time limit is not reflective of the regulations governing these controlled substances.