MPJE Dispensing and Labeling 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under federal law, which statement must appear on the label of every dispensed prescription drug container?
- Federal law prohibits the transfer of this drug to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed. (Correct answer)
- This medication may cause drowsiness.
- Shake well before use.
- Store at room temperature.
Correct answer: Federal law prohibits the transfer of this drug to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed.
Federal law (21 CFR 290.5) requires the transfer-prohibition statement on all dispensed prescription containers.
Question 2: A pharmacist receives a prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance that was issued 45 days ago. What is the correct action?
- Dispense the full quantity as written.
- Dispense a partial fill only.
- Refuse to fill because Schedule II prescriptions expire after 30 days. (Correct answer)
- Contact the DEA for authorization to fill.
Correct answer: Refuse to fill because Schedule II prescriptions expire after 30 days.
Schedule II prescriptions must be filled within 30 days of the date written per federal DEA regulation.
Question 3: Which information is NOT required on the outpatient prescription label under federal law?
- Prescriber's name
- Directions for use
- Prescriber's DEA registration number (Correct answer)
- Patient's name
Correct answer: Prescriber's DEA registration number
The prescriber's DEA number is not required on the dispensing label; it is required on the original prescription for controlled substances.
Question 4: A patient requests a 90-day supply of a Schedule III medication. The prescription was written for 30 days. What is the maximum number of refills permitted?
- 2 refills
- 5 refills (Correct answer)
- Unlimited refills within 6 months
- No refills are allowed for Schedule III
Correct answer: 5 refills
Schedule III and IV controlled substances may be refilled up to 5 times within 6 months of the date issued.
Question 5: What is the maximum validity period for a Schedule V prescription under federal law?
- 6 months (Correct answer)
- 12 months
- 18 months
- There is no federal expiration limit for Schedule V prescriptions
Correct answer: 6 months
Schedule V prescriptions, like Schedules III and IV, are valid for refills for up to 6 months from the date issued.
Question 6: A pharmacist receives an oral prescription for a Schedule III controlled substance from a physician. Which action is required?
- Refuse to fill; oral orders are prohibited for all controlled substances.
- Reduce the oral order to writing and dispense. (Correct answer)
- Fill the prescription but note DEA must be notified within 7 days.
- Require a written order before dispensing.
Correct answer: Reduce the oral order to writing and dispense.
Schedule III–V controlled substances may be prescribed orally, but the pharmacist must promptly reduce the order to writing.
Question 7: Which of the following is an acceptable practice when dispensing a drug in a child-resistant container?
- Always use a non-child-resistant container for elderly patients without written request.
- Use a non-child-resistant container only if both the prescriber and patient request it in writing.
- Use a non-child-resistant container if the patient or prescriber requests it. (Correct answer)
- Child-resistant packaging is required regardless of any patient or prescriber request.
Correct answer: Use a non-child-resistant container if the patient or prescriber requests it.
Under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act, a non-child-resistant container may be dispensed at the request of the patient or the prescriber.
MPJE Dispensing and Labeling 2
Under federal law, which statement must appear on the label of every dispensed prescription drug container?