Certified Medical Assistant (CMA AAMA)PharmacologyMedium
A prescription for a Schedule III controlled substance may be refilled under which condition?
- AIt may be refilled up to five times within six months from the date written
- BIt may be refilled an unlimited number of times within one year
- CIt may only be refilled if called in by the pharmacist
- DIt cannot be refilled under any circumstances
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. It may be refilled up to five times within six months from the date written
Schedule III, IV, and V controlled substances may be refilled up to five times within six months of the original prescription date, per DEA regulations. Schedule II drugs cannot be refilled at all, distinguishing them from Schedule III.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Unlimited refills within a year is not permitted for any controlled substance schedule.
- C. Refill authorization does not depend on the pharmacist calling the prescriber; it follows the original prescriber's authorization.
- D. This restriction applies to Schedule II, not Schedule III, substances.
Schedule III Refill Rules
Schedule III–V prescriptions may be refilled up to five times within six months of the original prescription date.
- Examples of Schedule III: codeine combinations, anabolic steroids
- Differs from Schedule II which allows no refills
- Applies uniformly to Schedules III, IV, and V
Memory trick: 'Three to Five: refill five times in six'