Rationale:
To prevent medication overuse and/or medications being left unused and needing to be discarded, larger quantities than expected to be used should not be dispensed — regardless of whether the prescription is regular or reimbursed (white or blue prescription).
Regulation on benefits for covering the cost of essential medicines etc. (the Blue Prescription Regulation) § 7 Prescription and dispensing by pharmacies and suppliers, second paragraph:
"However, no more than a three-month supply may be dispensed at one time. For extended stays abroad, up to a one-year supply may be dispensed."
The smallest package size or a one-month supply should be considered when initiating treatment, especially if the duration of treatment is uncertain. At the start of new long-term treatment, changes in dose, formulation, or medication may occur relatively quickly if deemed appropriate by the patient and prescribing physician.
Reference:
- Forskrift om stønad til dekning av utgifter til viktige legemidler mv. (blåreseptforskriften), § 7, 2. ledd. Tilgjengelig fra: https://lovdata.no/dokument/SF/forskrift/2007-06-28-814?q=bl%C3%A5reseptforskriften