What schedules of drugs require a prescription in Michigan?

In Michigan, a prescription is required for Schedule II, III, IV, and V drugs. Schedule I drugs, however, are classified as having no accepted medical use and are illegal to prescribe. The scheduling of drugs is based on their potential for abuse, dependence, and accepted medical use.

Schedule II drugs, such as opioids and certain stimulants, have a high potential for abuse and are strictly regulated. These medications require a written prescription and cannot be refilled—new prescriptions must be obtained each time.

Schedule III, IV, and V drugs also require prescriptions, but they come with varying degrees of control and requirements for refills. Schedule III substances can be refilled up to five times within six months, while Schedule IV and V drugs have similar but slightly different regulations.

Understanding these classifications and the necessity of prescriptions for these schedules is important for both pharmacy practice and patient safety. This ensures that potentially harmful substances are used appropriately under medical supervision, helping to mitigate risks associated with misuse and dependency.