Certified Medical Assistant (CMA AAMA)PharmacologyEasy
A physician writes a prescription for oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance. Which of the following best describes the prescribing requirements for this classification?
- APrescription must be written or electronically transmitted, and no refills are permitted
- BPrescription may be refilled up to five times within six months
- CPrescription may be called in by phone with unlimited refills
- DMedication is available without a prescription but must be logged in a pharmacy record book
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Prescription must be written or electronically transmitted, and no refills are permitted
Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse and require a written or electronically transmitted prescription with no refills allowed; a new prescription is needed each time. Verbal orders are only permitted in emergencies and must be followed by a written prescription.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Refills up to five times in six months describe Schedule III–V, not Schedule II.
- C. Schedule II drugs cannot be called in with unlimited refills due to high abuse potential.
- D. Schedule II drugs are never available without a prescription.
Schedule II Controlled Substances
Drugs with high abuse potential but accepted medical use, requiring written/e-prescription with no refills.
- Examples: oxycodone, morphine, fentanyl, methylphenidate
- No telephone refills except emergency supply
- New prescription required for each fill
Memory trick: 'Two means TOO risky to refill'