Q. What new role do Pharmacists have?

A. As of January 1st, 2009 pharmacist will be able to expand services they offer to patients. One of the biggest changes is that your pharmacist may be able to renew or adapt your existing prescriptions.

Q. Will my pharmacist renew my prescription?

A. Maybe. It depends on whether or not your prescription is still valid (normally one year  from the date it was written), whether your pharmacist has enough knowledge of your condition and treatment, is familiar with you and your health history and whether, in their professional judgment, it is in your best interest to do so.

 

Q. What is meant by ‘adapting’ a prescription?

A. Right now, if your pharmacist identifies a need to change your prescription, they must contact your doctor for authorization, they must contact your doctor for authorization before making the change. As of January 1st, 2009 pharmacists can adapt the prescription and notify your doctor within 24 hours. For the most part, the changes your pharmacist would consider are: adding a missing dose to a long-standing prescription or substituting one drug for another, within the same class of drugs, due to side effects.

 

Q. Does this mean I no longer need to see my doctor?

A. No. Although pharmacists now have the authority to renew or adapt your prescription, this does not replace your need to see your doctor for regular check-ups and monitoring of your condition.

 

Q. Can a pharmacist refuse to renew or adapt my prescription?

A. Yes. Pharmacists are not obligated to renew or adapt a prescription and will consider each situation individually to determine if they have sufficient information about you and your health status to make a change that is your best interest.

 

Q. Is my pharmacist qualified to renew or adapt my prescription?

A. Yes. Pharmacists as medication experts in our health-care system have extensive education, training and experience with drug therapies. Your pharmacists has access to your prescription medication history and as such, is in the best position to identify potential drug interactions or allergic reactions.