What is the maximum number of refills allowed for a Schedule III or IV controlled substance prescription?

For Schedule III and IV controlled substances, federal regulations permit a maximum of five refills within six months from the date the prescription was issued. This guideline is designed to maintain control over the dispensing of these substances while also providing patients with convenience.

The rationale behind allowing up to five refills is to ensure that patients who require pain management or treatment for certain conditions have access to their medications without needing to revisit their healthcare provider too frequently, while still providing a regulatory framework to monitor use.

This rule is pivotal in balancing patient needs with the potential risks associated with misusing these classes of drugs. Therefore, the option that states five refills within six months aligns perfectly with these federal regulations.

The other options described do not meet the requirements established by federal law for Schedule III and IV substances.