Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Practice Exam

When is it acceptable to refill a schedule IV medication?

1. Unlimited times until the prescription expires

2. Up to five times within six months

3. Once every three months

4. Twice before requiring a new prescription

The correct answer is: Up to five times within six months

Refilling a Schedule IV medication is regulated due to their potential for abuse and addiction. According to federal regulations, a prescription for a Schedule IV controlled substance can be refilled up to five times within a six-month period from the date it was issued. This means that as long as there are refills remaining within that period, the patient can receive their medication without needing a new prescription. It is important to note that once the six-month period expires or the maximum number of refills has been reached, a new prescription from the prescribing provider is required. This regulation ensures careful monitoring and control over the dispensation of medications that have a moderate potential for addiction, while still allowing for a reasonable amount of access for patients who need their medications on an ongoing basis. Other options do not align with these regulatory requirements, which is why they do not represent acceptable practices.