If a prescriber writes both "PRN" and "ad lib" for a refill, what does that mean?

The phrase "PRN," which stands for "pro re nata," means that the medication may be taken as needed, while "ad lib" translates to "at one's pleasure" or "at convenience." When a prescriber combines these terms regarding refills, it implies that the prescribing authority intends the patient to take the medication only when necessary and without an established frequency.

In many jurisdictions, including Kentucky, when medications are prescribed with such language, they do not allow for the traditional refill system—this is because the patient is meant to use the medication according to their specific need rather than a regular schedule. Therefore, these terms can indeed indicate that no refills are allowed since the prescriber may not expect the patient to require the medication regularly. This emphasizes the need for a careful interpretation of the prescription, reflecting that no additional doses or refills are implied or allowed in the conventional sense.

In the context of refill regulation, especially in states like Kentucky, it is also important to ensure that the refill instructions adhere to legal stipulations laid out for medications prescribed under particular circumstances. Hence, the notion that no refills are authorized fits with the understanding of how "PRN" and "ad lib" prescriptions operate in practice.