If a pharmacist partially fills a CII drug, how long does the pharmacy have to fill the remaining portion?

When a pharmacist partially fills a schedule II drug, federal law allows for the remaining portion of that prescription to be filled within 72 hours from the date the prescription was issued. This regulation is in place to ensure that patients receive their medications promptly while also maintaining control over the dispensing of controlled substances.

If the remaining portion is not filled within this 72-hour timeframe, the pharmacist must notify the prescriber, and the remaining quantity cannot be filled beyond that period unless a new prescription is issued. This regulation is designed to balance access to necessary medications with the need to prevent misuse and ensure proper monitoring of controlled substances. Therefore, understanding this 72-hour guideline is critical for pharmacists in managing prescriptions for controlled substances effectively.