How many refills can a CII prescription have?

A prescription for a controlled substance classified as Schedule II (CII) under federal law is not permitted to have any refills. This is a critical aspect of the regulation surrounding controlled substances, primarily aiming to prevent misuse and ensure proper medical oversight.

CII drugs are considered to have a high potential for abuse that may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. As such, the laws governing them are much stricter than those for other schedules. When a healthcare provider prescribes a CII medication, the prescription must be filled within a certain timeframe and can only be written for a specific quantity — typically not exceeding a 30-day supply, although this may vary based on the provider's discretion and state laws.

Once the initial prescription has been filled, the patient must return to their healthcare provider to obtain a new prescription for any further supply. This requirement helps ensure that the prescribing clinician continuously evaluates the need for the medication based on the patient's current condition, thereby promoting regular check-ins and minimizing the potential for abuse.

This structure reflects a clear protective measure in the legal framework of medication management, particularly concerning substances that pose higher risks for dependency and abuse.