New Mexico News: Prescriptions - Quantity

March 1, 2007 2:41 pm Topics: Prescriptions

Published in the March 2007 New Mexico Board of Pharmacy Newsletter

When a prescriber writes a prescription for a dangerous drug, the quantity written on the prescription is the quantity that must be dispensed unless the pharmacist contacts the prescriber and receives permission to increase the quantity dispensed. This applies regardless of the number of refills that are indicated on the prescription.
A pharmacist may not automatically take a prescription that was written for 30 tablets with two refills and dispense 90 tablets without getting the prior approval of the prescriber. Some pharmacists are filling more than what is written on the prescription because the insurance company will pay for a 90-day supply; thus, helping the patient out. Insurance companies do not dictate the quantity you may dispense without the permission of the prescriber. If you want to help the patient, call the prescriber and get permission. There may be a reason why the prescriber does not want the patient to receive a three-month supply. This applies to both dangerous drugs and CS.