주요 외국의 의약품 처방 및 조제기간 관련 제도 및 시사점

Prescription and Dispensing Duration Policies in Major Countries and Their Implications

While appropriate prescription duration supports adherence, excessive long-term prescriptions can lead to drug waste and an increased risk of adverse effects. In response, many countries have implemented policies that limit prescription durations based on disease and drug characteristics; this study analyzes these trends and their implications. It reviewed English-language publications on prescription duration-related policies and trends using keywords like “prescription duration” in databases such as Google Scholar and PubMed, focusing on major countries including the U.S., U.K., and Australia. These countries are increasingly adopting more flexible or extended prescription durations, particularly for chronic conditions. The U.K. has shifted from recommending 28-day prescriptions to exploring longer durations. In the U.S., the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a relaxation of dispensing restrictions. Notably, Australia has extended its dispensing period to 60 days for certain chronic disease medications, serving as a leading example in distinguishing between prescription and dispensing durations. Advanced refill systems in the U.S., U.K., and parts of Asia have further improved convenience and efficiency through tools such as refill protocols and electronic repeat dispensing. In Korea, frequent prescriptions for mild conditions and a culture of hospital shopping contribute to significant drug waste and the risks associated with long-term prescriptions. To address this—and to improve safety, reduce waste, and enhance treatment outcomes—a phased introduction of reforms, particularly for chronic diseases, should be considered, along with the expanded use of the Drug Utilization Review (DUR) program.