When should a medication refill be requested?

Requesting a medication refill when there is no less than a seven-day supply remaining is considered an appropriate and proactive approach to medication management. This guideline helps ensure that patients do not run out of their medications, which is critical for maintaining consistent treatment.

By initiating a refill request well before the medication runs out, patients minimize the risk of interruptions in their therapy, which could potentially lead to negative health outcomes. It allows time for the healthcare provider to process the request, make any necessary adjustments to the prescription, and for the pharmacy to prepare the refill.

This practice of requesting refills with a sufficient supply remaining aligns with best practices in patient safety and ensures continuity of care. Other options may not provide adequate buffer time to address refill requests or may lead to lapses in medication adherence.