Understanding Controlled Substance Prescriptions
In general, schedule II controlled substance prescriptions cannot be refilled and expire after 6 months. Schedule III or IV prescriptions may not be filled or refilled more than 6 months after the written date OR refilled more than 5 times, whichever comes first. Schedule V controlled substances may be refilled as authorized. Laws may vary by state.
Key Points
Rules and regulations for controlled substances vary by state and federal law in the U.S. In general,
Note: Rules for controlled substance medications must comply with both state and federal rules and regulations. For activities regulated by both state and federal agencies, the more stringent rule must be followed.
Do I need to see my doctor to get a new CII prescription every 30 days?
No, your doctor may elect to write sequential prescriptions for CII medicines that indicate a “Do Not Fill Until” date on the prescription AND for sequential prescriptions that authorize no more than a 90-day supply, if allowed by state law.
What is a Controlled Substance?
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) determines which medications fall under the category of “controlled substance”. In the U.S., there are five controlled substance schedules at the federal level (Schedules CI-V) that are used to classify drugs based upon the:
Individuals who work with controlled substances, such as those who order, handle, store, and distribute these substances must be registered with the DEA to perform these functions. They are required to maintain accurate inventories, records and security of the controlled substances.
The abuse potential of a drug is a strong factor in determining the schedule for a drug.
For example, Schedule I drugs (such as heroin) have a high potential for abuse and the potential to create severe psychological and / or physical dependence.
As the Schedule changes, from Schedule II to Schedule V, the abuse potential declines. Schedule V drugs have the least potential for abuse.
Do not give or sell a prescription controlled substance to anyone else. Selling or giving to others may harm them and is against the law
According to the DEA, a substance need not be listed as a controlled substance to be treated as a Schedule I substance for criminal prosecution (for example, controlled substance analogues structurally or pharmacologically substantially similar to or is represented as being similar to a Schedule I or Schedule II substance).
What is the Federal Controlled Substance Act?
The Federal Controlled Substance Act (CSA) is the principal federal law regulating the manufacture, distribution, dispensing and delivery of medications which have the potential for abuse or dependence.
The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states and federal law.
