PHARMACIST PRESCRIPTION RENEWAL
Have you ever found yourself with no refills remaining and no scheduled appointment to see your family doctor? Your Tuxedo pharmacist may be able to help!
With changes to legislation and regulations in most Canadian provinces over the past years, our pharmacists now have the ability to initiate, continue, or modify/adapt drug therapy, ranging from renewing a continued care prescription to independent prescriptive authority.
Pharmacists now have the ability to extend certain maintenance medications once they have performed an assessment of your personal situation and medication history. Pharmacists are medication experts and are valued members of your healthcare team. As well, pharmacists are the most accessible health care professionals being there to help you on evenings and weekends.
Renew an existing prescription.
Our pharmacists can renew your existing prescriptions so you can continue treatment for your health concerns.
The pharmacist can renew your prescription as follows:
- In the amount that was originally prescribed, including any refills that were authorized by your doctor; or
- Three months supply
Adapt an existing prescription.
Our pharmacists can also adapt a prescription based on your specific circumstances, by changing the dose, dosage form, or regimen.
Adapting a prescription does not include changing the drug you are on, or substituting one drug for another.
initiate a new prescription for smoking cessation.
Now is a great time to think about quitting smoking, especially with how COVID-19 affects our lungs.
When you’re ready, our pharmacists can help you quit smoking. We can prescribe varenicline tartrate (Champix©) or bupropion hydrochloride (Zyban©) for smoking cessation and provide you with counselling to help you quit for good, and regain your health.
*Pharmacists cannot renew or adapt a controlled substance
(narcotics and other controlled drugs) or a drug designated as a monitored drug under the Narcotic Safety and Awareness Act.
PROCESS FOR PHARMACIST-AUTHORIZED RENEWALS
- Patient Assessment: The pharmacist will consult with you to confirm that the prescribed medication is safe for you.
- Informed Consent: The pharmacist will explain the nature of the prescription renewal being requested by you. You can ask us questions about your medications and get the information you need before accepting your refills.
- Prescription Management: The pharmacist will make sure that your information is accurately listed on the prescription, along with information about the pharmacist, the date of the prescription and the number of authorized refills.
- Documentation: On your patient record at The Village Pharmacy, the pharmacist will document the prescription refill and other relevant information.
- Notification: The pharmacist will notify your doctor’s office about the prescription renewal to update your patient file, and to ensure continuity of care.