How many times can Schedule III drugs be refilled within a six-month period?

Schedule III drugs can be refilled up to five times within a six-month period from the date of the original prescription. This regulation is set by the Controlled Substances Act, which categorizes Schedule III medications as those that have a moderate potential for abuse relative to drugs classified as Schedule I and II.

The limitation of five refills is designed to ensure proper monitoring of these substances due to their potential for abuse, while also providing reasonable access for patients who require ongoing treatment. Refills beyond this limit are not permissible, which helps maintain a balance between patient care and potential misuse of controlled substances.

Understanding this refilling limitation is crucial for pharmacy practice, as it influences both patient management and adherence to federal regulations regarding controlled substances.