Question

omeprazole (prilosec) 40mg. the prescription was written for a 30-day supply with six refills. the date on the prescription was 7 months prior to todays date, and the prescription has had a total of seven refills. which of the following actions should a pharmacy technician take?

recommend an over-the-counter (otc) medication instead.
ask the pharmacist to authorize a 7-day emergency supply.
contact the prescriber for a new prescription.
refill the prescription because is still valid.

Explanation:

Analyze the prescription details

Using the Pharmacy Law knowledge point

• Medication: Omeprazole (Prilosec) 40mg (a non-controlled legend drug).
• Original Refills: Written for six refills.
• Current Status: The prompt states the prescription has a total of seven refills (which exceeds the authorized amount, or indicates an error/invalid state).
• Time Elapsed: The prescription was written 7 months ago.

Evaluate prescription validity

Using the Prescription Refill Documentation knowledge point

• Non-controlled prescriptions are generally valid for a maximum of 1 year (12 months) from the date written, depending on state law.
• However, the prescription was written for six refills, but the system or patient is requesting a refill when it has already had "a total of seven refills" (or exceeds the authorized limit).
• Once all authorized refills are exhausted, the prescription is no longer valid for refills, even if it is within the 1-year expiration window.

Determine the correct action

• Since the refills are fully exhausted (and actually exceeded), the pharmacy technician cannot refill the prescription.
• The technician must contact the prescriber to obtain a new prescription.

Answer:

• Recommend an over-the-counter (OTC) medication instead.
• Ask the pharmacist to authorize a 7-day emergency supply.
• Contact the prescriber for a new prescription. (Correct answer)
• Refill the prescription because is still valid.