When can a pharmacist refill a prescription that has no refills indicated?

A pharmacist can refill a prescription that has no refills indicated for non-legend drugs if the refill spot is blank because non-legend drugs, also known as over-the-counter (OTC) medications, are generally not subject to the same strict regulations as prescription medications. For these products, pharmacies may consider the refill slot as an indication of whether additional quantities can be dispensed without needing new authorization, as the substance does not carry the same risk of misuse or harm that can be associated with prescription medications.

In the case of legend drugs, which are subject to more stringent regulations, refills cannot be granted without explicit instructions from the prescribing physician, as they are typically controlled substances or medications requiring careful oversight. As a result, for prescriptions where no refills are indicated, such as for controlled substances, the options available would not include issuing refills based solely on a patient's request. Thus, understanding the distinction between legend and non-legend drugs is crucial in determining the pharmacist’s ability to refill prescriptions.