When must controlled substance prescriptions be filled after being signed by the prescriber?

Controlled substance prescriptions must be filled within 30 days after being signed by the prescriber in order to remain valid. This 30-day period is established to ensure that the medication is provided to the patient in a timely manner while also preventing abuse or misuse of controlled substances.

If a prescription is not filled within this timeframe, it may no longer be honored by the pharmacy as it could raise concerns regarding patient need and medication use. This regulation helps maintain the integrity of the prescribing process for controlled substances, balancing patient access with the need for regulatory oversight.

In contrast, other timeframes such as 14, 60, or 90 days do not align with the established legal requirements for filling controlled substance prescriptions, making them incorrect choices. The 30-day limit strikes a balance by giving patients enough time to obtain their medications while enabling pharmacy professionals to adhere to strict guidelines related to controlled substances.