PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (PTCE)Federal RequirementsMedium
A pharmacy receives a prescription for Lomotil (diphenoxylate/atropine), a Schedule V controlled substance. The patient requests a refill. According to federal law, what is the maximum number of refills allowed for a Schedule V controlled substance within a six-month period from the date of issue?
- A1 refill
- B0 refills
- C5 refills
- DUnlimited refills
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 5 refills
Federal law limits Schedule III, IV, and V controlled substances to a maximum of 5 refills within six months from the date the prescription was issued.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Some states might have more restrictive laws, but federally, it's more than one.
- B. Schedule II drugs have no refills.
- D. Even non-controlled prescription drugs often have practical limits, and controlled substances always have legal limits.
Controlled Substance Refill Limits
Federal law places specific limits on the number and timeframe for refills of controlled substances based on their schedule.
- Schedule II: No refills allowed.
- Schedule III, IV, V: Up to 5 refills within 6 months from the date of issue.
- State laws may impose stricter limits.
Memory trick: Schedule 2 = No Refills; Schedule 3, 4, 5 = Five Refills in Six Months.