How Early Can You Fill Oxycodone In New York State?

kimberlynd asked

I live in New York State. I have a prescription for oxycodone and picked it up on June 1st. I have an appointment with my doctor to refill the oxycodone on June 29th. When would be the earliest that the pharmacy would be able to dispense to me?

Answer

Hi kimberlynd, thank you for your question. I can really only give you a bit of background information based on my personal experience as a pharmacist over the last decade.

Every state has their own laws and regulations on how early a controlled substance can be filled. Fortunately, I am licensed in New York. Though I don’t currently practice in the state, I am familiar with the laws. Per New York State Controlled Substance Law, Part 80.69:

Unless an earlier refilling is authorized by the prescriber, no prescription shall be refilled earlier than seven days prior to the date the previously dispensed supply would be exhausted if used in conformity with the directions for use.

What this means is that if you have been on the same dose and same directions of oxycodone and refilled it a day early, every month, over the last 7 months, then you should still have a 7 day supply remaining at home. Due to this, I wouldn’t be able to fill the medication until your previous prescription had been exhausted. Assuming that you filled a 30 day supply on June 1^st, then I would be able to fill it on July 1^st.

Now, if you usually refill your medication on the day that it’s due or are even late a day or two, then I personally wouldn’t mind filling it a day or two early. I know that sometimes it’s more convenient to get a medication a day or two early. Unless there is a legal reason that I can’t fill it, early fills are at the pharmacists’ discretion so check with your local pharmacy and they should be able to give you an accurate date.