South Carolina Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) Practice Exam

What should pharmacists track when dispensing C3-C5 medications?

1. Only the initial prescription

2. Refill dates and quantities

3. Patient's address

4. Only the prescriber’s information

The correct answer is: Refill dates and quantities

When dispensing medications classified as C3-C5, pharmacists are required to track refill dates and quantities to ensure compliance with regulations that govern the dispensing of controlled substances. These medications have a potential for abuse and dependence, making it essential to monitor the frequency of refills and the amounts dispensed to prevent misuse and ensure safe patient care. By keeping a close eye on refill dates, pharmacists can identify patterns that may indicate inappropriate use, such as a patient requesting refills too soon or escalating their dose without proper medical justification. The accurate tracking of quantities allows pharmacists to ensure that they are not exceeding the legal limits set forth for these substances, maintaining the integrity of the prescription drug monitoring system. While tracking the initial prescription, patient addresses, and prescriber information plays an important role in the dispensing process, the primary focus in the context of compliance and monitoring for C3-C5 substances specifically emphasizes the need to track refills and quantities closely. This aspect is critical to safeguarding patient health and adhering to legal standards governing controlled substance prescriptions.