How Early Will Walgreens Refill A Prescription? (2022 Guide)

Walgreens is one of America’s largest drugstore chains with a convenient service that allows customers to fill their prescriptions regularly.

Sometimes you might need your prescription filled earlier than scheduled. Let me share what I learned from my research.

Is it possible for Walgreens to refill prescriptions as early as 24 hours?

The earliest Walgreens will refill your prescription for Schedule III and IV drugs is 3 days before the due date. Refills of Schedule II (controlled substance) prescriptions require a fresh prescription. Walgreens is bound to follow the prescribed refill times and restrictions as set out by your insurer or healthcare provider.

You might need to recharge your battery more quickly than you think. What are the best ways to do it? How can you get your medications refilled faster? Continue reading to learn more!

Why Are You Not Allowed To Get A Refill At Walgreens As Early As You Want?

To prevent misuse or abuse, insurance companies and pharmacists set limits on when you can refill your prescription. This is especially important for addictive drugs.

One way to exploit the service is for people to purchase refills before others and then trade or fuel on the black market.

How Does Your Insurance Plan Affect How Early You Can Get A Refill At Walgreens?

Walgreens will usually refill your prescriptions within 3 days of the original date, but this can be limited by any restrictions or instructions from your healthcare provider.

Most insurance companies and health care providers won’t cover prescription refills that are made within 3 days. Walgreens is not allowed to refill prescriptions within this time frame.

Therefore, it is best to get in touch with your insurance provider and learn about early refill limits and the process to follow in case you need one.

In What Situations Can You Get Your Prescriptions Refilled Early?

If you follow the right process, it will be possible to refill your prescriptions early.

You are traveling or going on vacation and so need to take extra supplies

A police report proving that the medication you were taking was authentic is available for your insurer, doctor and pharmacist.

You need to maintain a stock of medication at home due to an upcoming weather emergency (like a hurricane) that will cut off access to pharmacies

How Can You Get Your Prescription Refilled Early?

In order to get your prescription refilled quickly, it is important that you communicate well in advance with your pharmacy.

Your insurance company might already offer exceptions to travel and emergency coverage, so all you have to do is communicate with Walgreens.

In some cases, however, you might be asked to present an updated prescription by your doctor. This may specify (for example, a 60-day rather than a 30-day supply).

How can you get an early supply for controlled substances?

In case of an emergency that requires you to get an early refill of a controlled substance, you should get in touch with your healthcare provider immediately.

Walgreens, or another pharmacy will be contacted by your healthcare provider to arrange for an early refill. Walgreens may require you to submit a completed and signed prescription.

You will be given medication only for the prescribed treatment duration. There is no possibility of refilling.

You can read our posts to learn how Walgreens can deliver your prescriptions, whether Walgreens accepts GoodRx and how long Walgreens can keep a prescription.

How Early Will Walgreens Refill A Prescription? (2022 Guide)