Dee asked
I have a prescription for a Tylenol 3 refill. It’s not due to be filled until Monday, but I’m going to Canada on Saturday. How likely is it that I can get it filled early Saturday morning? If I don’t take it regularly, then my back and leg pain keeps me up at night and I can’t do anything during the day.
Answer
Whether or not you can fill your prescription for Tylenol #3 (Acetaminophen/Codeine) depends on the specific laws in your state and your fill history of the medication. Laws vary by state in regard to how "early" you can fill controlled substance prescriptions. For New York State for example, the law states the following:
"No additional prescriptions for a controlled substance may be issued by a practitioner to an ultimate user within 30 days of the date of any prescription previously issued unless and until the ultimate user has exhausted all but a seven days' supply of that controlled substance provided by any previously issued prescription"
The above law is colloquially known at the 7 day rule... meaning that, depending on the situation, you can fill your controlled substance prescription up to 7 days early (i.e. have a 7 day supply extra on hand). This isn't a hard and fast rule and different pharmacies and pharmacists may have different policies. It is important to speak with your pharmacist to discuss your options in regard to filling the prescription early.
There can be exceptions to the rule if there is a medical necessity. As you are going out of the country, you would not be able to fill your prescription. In cases like these, your doctor may be able to call the pharmacy and discuss the situation to ensure you have an appropriate amount of medication to get you through your vacation.
