In Illinois, how long can a pharmacy wait to fill a schedule 2 medication after the prescription is written?

In Illinois, a prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance must be filled within 90 days from the date it is written by the prescribing practitioner. This regulation aligns with federal guidelines, which also stipulate that Schedule II prescriptions cannot be filled after a certain period from the date written, ensuring that medications are dispensed while still relevant to the patient's needs and within a reasonable time frame for safety and health considerations.

Choosing 90 days ensures that the patient receives their medication in a timely manner, thereby allowing proper management of their health conditions while reducing the risk of medication misuse or diversion. This timeframe allows patients some flexibility in filling their prescriptions, particularly if they may not be able to fill it immediately for various reasons, including financial considerations, insurance coverage, or if they are waiting for a follow-up appointment with their healthcare provider.