Prescription medications fall into two groups: controlled substances and non-controlled medications. The group changes how a refill works.
Circle Medical follows federal and state rules for both. Your provider sends the prescription to your pharmacy.
Looking for something else?
Who can prescribe in your state: State requirements for prescribing controlled substances
When a refill needs an appointment: How medication refills work
Which pharmacies can fill a controlled substance: Which pharmacies fill controlled substance prescriptions
ADHD follow-up timing: How ADHD follow-up appointments work
Urine drug monitoring: Urine drug monitoring (UDM) at Circle Medical
What is a controlled substance?
A controlled substance is regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration because it carries a higher risk of misuse or dependence. Common examples include Schedule II stimulants used to treat ADHD, like Adderall, Vyvanse, and Ritalin. Testosterone and benzodiazepines, such as Xanax and Ativan, are also examples of federally controlled substances.
What is a non-controlled medication?
A non-controlled medication carries a lower risk of misuse or dependence. The Food and Drug Administration regulates these medications. Common examples are antibiotics, antihistamines, statins, and blood pressure medications.
Some are available over the counter. Others need a prescription.
What is different about a refill?
A controlled substance refill needs an appointment, and a non-controlled refill usually does not.
The full refill rules, including the yearly appointment for non-controlled medications, are in How medication refills work. The ADHD follow-up schedule is in How ADHD follow-up appointments work.