For how long can my prescription be extended?
The maximum that your pharmacist can extend your prescription is the same period of time that your original doctor’s prescription covered, up to the maximum of a year. However, depending on the situation, your pharmacist can decide not to extend your prescription or to do it for a shorter period than the maximum allowed. This type of decision is often made with the goal of having you make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
Extension conditions
It is your pharmacist, after having analysed your file, and according to your health status, who will determine if they can prolong your prescription or not. If they consider that it is necessary that you see your doctor quickly, they can extend it for only a few days or weeks, or not at all and immediately refer you to an appropriate resource: your doctor, a walk-in clinic or a hospital emergency room.
Doctor’s appointment
It is important to understand that extending your prescription does not replace the need to see your doctor for an appropriate medical follow-up and a new prescription. The purpose of the extension is to ensure that your treatment is not interrupted before your doctor’s appointment and that in the meantime, your treatment remains safe and effective.
Process
- Meet with your pharmacist so that they can evaluate the effectiveness of your medication and verify possible side effects.
- Your pharmacist will evaluate the situation and the risks associated with stopping or extending your treatment.
- The decision will be made about whether or not to renew the prescription.
- Your pharmacist will document the change.
- If your pharmacist refuses the extension, they will discuss alternatives with you, or will direct you to the appropriate resource.
*Certain categories of medication are not covered by this act.
Don’t hesitate to talk to your Accès pharma chez Walmart-affiliated pharmacist about any questions you may have about this service.
