All prescriptions (new and existing) are valid for up to TWO years from the prescribing date, with exception of prescriptions for benzodiazepines and other targeted substances, which are valid for a period of up to ONE year from the prescribing date (unless validity up to two years is permitted by a section 56 exemption to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act).
For example, a prescription issued on January 5, 2022 that is valid for two years would expire on January 4, 2024. After January 4, 2024, this prescription would no longer be valid, regardless of how many refills were initially authorized by the prescriber, and would not be eligible for adaptation.
A pharmacist must ensure that the duration of the adaptation does not exceed the expiry date of the prescription. In this example, the pharmacist would only be able to authorize a quantity that would supply the client up to, and not beyond, January 4, 2024.