We usually don’t think much about prescription expiration because most of us fill them immediately after seeing the doctor.
But what happens if you forget to take your prescription to the pharmacy or don’t need the medication right away?
How long can you wait before your prescription is no longer valid?
Here’s what you need to know:
How Long Are Prescriptions Good For?
Typically, a prescription remains valid for one year from the date it was written by your doctor. Yet, the exact duration can vary based on your location and the type of medication prescribed.
In some states, prescriptions for non-controlled substances might be valid for over a year.
On the other hand, prescriptions for controlled substances often have a shorter validity, usually less than a year.
Here, we’ll outline which states allow prescriptions to be valid for one year or even longer.
One year:
- Alaska
- Michigan
- Kentucky
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Illinois
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- New Hampshire
- Utah
- Oklahoma
- Vermont
- Washington
- West Virginia
More than one year:
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Maine
When Do Schedule II Prescriptions Expire?
The expiration of Schedule II prescriptions isn’t dictated by federal law, but state regulations often apply. For example, in California, Schedule II drug prescriptions expire 6 months after they’re written.
Pharmacists may also hesitate to fill a Schedule II prescription if a lot of time has passed, regardless of the expiration date. This caution stems from the fact that Schedule II drugs are highly regulated due to their potential for abuse and risk of leading to significant psychological or physical dependence.
Drugs classified under Schedule II include powerful medications like Vicodin, methadone, hydromorphone, Adderall, and Ritalin. In the context of ADHD management, obtaining an Adderall prescription typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare provider who assesses the individual’s symptoms, medical history, and response to previous treatments.
When Do Schedule III and IV Prescriptions Expire?
How Long Do You Have to Fill It?
The time frame to fill a prescription varies by your location and the medication’s classification.
Typically, you’ll have at least 6 months from when the prescription was issued. In some states, certain medications might not even have an expiration date.
But the simplest way to dodge any complications is to fill your prescription right after your doctor gives it to you.
This approach prevents issues and guarantees you follow the medication plan your doctor has set out, leading to more effective treatment.
How Long Does a Pharmacy Hold a Prescription
Once you’ve left your prescription at the pharmacy or your doctor has sent it in, you generally have about 2 to 14 days to collect it.
The specific timeframe depends on the pharmacy’s policy.
For example, CVS holds prescriptions for up to 2 days, while Walgreens will keep them for up to 7 days before they cancel the order.
If you’re unable to pick up your prescription within this period, you can ask a family member or friend to collect it on your behalf.
Alternatively, if your pharmacy provides a delivery service, you can opt to have your medication delivered directly to your home.
Drake Holloway, 45, is a pharmacist and freelance blog writer for NowRx.com. He uses his professional background to provide information and opinions on diverse subjects to those seeking guidance.
