What is the maximum number of refills allowed for Schedule III and IV medications within six months?

For Schedule III and IV medications, federal regulations permit a maximum of five refills within six months from the date the prescription was originally issued. This policy recognizes that these substances have a lower potential for abuse compared to Schedule I and II medications, thereby allowing more flexibility in managing patient needs for these drugs.

The rule helps to ensure that patients can maintain their treatment regimens without having to frequently visit the pharmacy or physician for a new prescription, which can be a burden for ongoing therapies that require these controlled substances. Refills in this context means that a patient can obtain a total of up to six months’ worth of medication refilled at their discretion without having to return to the prescriber for a new written prescription, as long as the total refills do not exceed five and the prescription is within the six-month limit. This balance aims to facilitate care while still maintaining necessary oversight for potentially addictive medications.