What is the maximum number of days a prescription for a controlled substance can be filled after the written date in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, a prescription for a controlled substance is valid for up to 120 days from the date it is written. This regulation ensures that prescriptions are filled while they are still relevant and within an appropriate timeframe for patient care and medication use.

The rationale behind the 120-day limit is to maintain the integrity and efficacy of the medication prescribed. Controlled substances have specific indications and potential for misuse, so allowing only a limited time for filling prescriptions helps to mitigate risks associated with outdated prescriptions or changes in a patient’s health status.

Other options exceed this time limit, which could lead to concerns about medication effectiveness and patient safety. Therefore, 120 days is the maximum allowable timeframe for filling prescriptions for controlled substances in North Carolina.