Are pharmacists allowed to dispense a partial fill on C2 medications?

Pharmacists are permitted to dispense partial fills for Schedule II (C2) medications under certain conditions, making the selection of this answer appropriate. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulations allow for partial fills of C2 prescriptions if it is noted on the prescription. This means that if the prescribing practitioner indicates that a partial fill is acceptable or if the patient requests it, pharmacists can dispense a lesser quantity than what is prescribed, provided it aligns with the total prescribed amount being filled within a specific timeframe.

It's important to also recognize that partial fills must be recorded accurately, and the remaining quantity should be filled within 30 days following the date on the prescription. This flexibility in filling prescriptions allows for better patient management, particularly for those who may not need the full amount at once or who may want to minimize the quantity they have on hand for safety reasons.

The other options do not reflect current regulations or practices effectively. For instance, outright prohibiting partial fills ignores the allowances made within specific circumstances. Additionally, stating that partial fills are allowed only once per patient or that a full quantity must always be dispensed fails to account for the necessary legal and practical framework that governs the dispensing of controlled substances.