Final answer:
Quantity limits for Schedule II prescriptions are enforced to combat abuse and ensure proper use. They apply to high-risk medications like Oxycodone. The FDA and DEA regulate these limits to prevent drug overdoses and illicit distribution.
Step-by-step explanation:
Quantity limits for Schedule II prescriptions are enforced to prevent the overuse and potential abuse of medications that have a high potential for addiction and dependence. These drugs include powerful opioids like Oxycodone, Vicodin, and Fentanyl, among others. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulate the prescribing and dispensing of these medications. Strict quantity limits are placed to safeguard against over-prescription, thereby decreasing the chances of prescription pain pills contributing to drug overdoses, which have seen a sharp increase over recent years.
Circumstances that may warrant the enforcement of these limits include situations where there is a notable risk of abuse or diversion. For instance, once an initial prescription is given, a patient may only be supplied with a sufficient amount for a set number of days, after which they must consult with their healthcare provider for a follow-up and potential refill. The overall aim of enforcing quantity limits on Schedule II drugs is to monitor and control the distribution, ensuring they are used properly and safely, and to mitigate the risk of these substances entering the illicit market.