When calculating the limits for Schedule III and IV refills, the original fill is NOT a refill and is NOT included when determining the limit.

• A. The original fill is counted as a refill.
• B. Only the first 3 refills are counted toward the limit.
• C. The original fill is NOT a refill and is NOT included when determining the limit.
• D. The original fill doubles as a refill for calculation.

Answer: (C)

For Schedule III and IV drugs, the number of times a prescription can be refilled is limited, typically to five refills within six months from the date of the original dispensing. The key point is that the initial dispensing is considered the original fill and does not count as a refill. Refills that occur after that original fill are what count toward the limit, not the original fill itself. So when determining the limit, you exclude the original fill and count only the subsequent refills up to the allowed number within the six-month window.