Pharmacies in Canada

In several provinces, pharmacists can prescribe medications for minor ailments. In Ontario, pharmacists can prescribe for 19 common conditions including UTIs, cold sores, allergic reactions, pink eye, and acid reflux. Alberta pharmacists have the broadest prescribing authority.

Yes. Most pharmacies across Canada offer flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, and many other immunizations including shingles, pneumonia, hepatitis, HPV, and travel vaccines. Pharmacist-administered vaccinations are available without an appointment at many locations.

Yes. You can transfer most prescriptions between pharmacies in Canada. Simply contact your new pharmacy with your medication details and the name of your previous pharmacy — they will handle the transfer. Controlled substance prescriptions may have additional restrictions.

Modern pharmacies in Canada offer medication reviews, chronic disease monitoring, minor ailment assessments, smoking cessation support, travel health consultations, compression stocking fittings, and medication delivery. Many pharmacists can also renew expired prescriptions for maintenance medications.

Yes. Health Canada requires that generic medications contain the same active ingredient, dosage, and form as the brand-name version and meet the same safety and quality standards. Generic drugs typically cost 20% to 80% less than brand-name equivalents. Your pharmacist can advise you on generic alternatives for your prescriptions.

Yes. You can fill your prescription at any licensed pharmacy in Canada, regardless of where the prescription was written. You can also transfer existing prescriptions between pharmacies. Simply bring your prescription or ask your new pharmacy to contact your previous one to arrange the transfer.