Question 1

A patient calls the pharmacy to request a verbal refill authorization for her oxycodone prescription because she lost the written script. Under DEA regulations, what is the pharmacy correct response?

Accepted Answer

No refill of any kind is permitted for Schedule II controlled substances. The patient must obtain a new written prescription from the prescriber — verbal or telephone refill authorizations for Schedule II drugs are prohibited under federal law with no exceptions.

Question 2

A Schedule III prescription for acetaminophen with codeine was written on January 15 with 5 refills authorized. The patient requests the 4th refill on July 20. What should the pharmacy technician do?

Accepted Answer

The prescription has expired and cannot be refilled. Schedule III prescriptions are valid for 6 months from the date written — July 20 is more than 6 months after January 15, so a new prescription is required regardless of how many refills remain.

Question 3

Why are Schedule I substances such as heroin and LSD unavailable by prescription in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Schedule I drugs have no currently accepted medical use and high abuse potential, so federal law prohibits their prescription for patient treatment in any clinical setting.

Question 4

What information must appear on every valid prescription for a controlled substance under federal regulations?

Accepted Answer

The prescription must include the date, patient name and address, prescriber name, DEA number, drug name, strength, quantity, directions for use, and number of refills authorized.

Question 5

How long is a Schedule II prescription valid before it expires under most state pharmacy laws?

Accepted Answer

Most states require Schedule II prescriptions to be filled within 30 days of the date written, though some states allow up to 90 days depending on local regulations.

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