Prescription Medications
Pharmacists are medication experts. For each prescription, your pharmacist will assess the therapy to confirm that the medication, dose and instructions for use are appropriate for the condition you are treating, check for interactions with other current prescription and over-the-counter medications or supplements, and review drug allergies. Your pharmacist can also work with your doctor, nurse practitioner, and other healthcare professionals to optimize your drug therapy and help you achieve your best health. If you would like to discuss your medications in detail, please call to arrange a convenient time for a comprehensive medication review.
In BC, pharmacists can now prescribe medications for minor ailments. For other medications, our pharmacists may be able to extend your prescription so you don't miss any of your medication. For prescriptions that cannot be extended, we may be able to provide an emergency supply to last until you are able to see your doctor for a new Rx. Where appropriate, we may also change the drug, dosing, dosage form or quantity of medication prescribed by your doctor. This is called an adaptation. Your pharmacist must be familiar with you and your health conditions in order to provide this service. It is one of the benefits of having a personal pharmacist at a local, independent pharmacy.
If you are taking multiple medications and find that they are renewing at different times, talk to us about synchronizing your medications. Using med sync, we can get things back on track so you can pick up all your medications at the same time. We can also set up your medications for automatic refill. You may also find that blister packs are a convenient way to organize your medications and ensure that you are taking them at the right time.
At the Medicine Shoppe, we pay close attention to your health care needs and provide personalized care.
Pharmacist Prescribing
In 2022, it was reported that 1 in 5 Canadian adults did not have a family physician or nurse practitioner for regular medical care. In BC, pharmacists have been granted an expanded scope of practice to help fill this gap in healthcare. As of June 2023, our pharmacists can assess and prescribe medications for 21 minor ailments, as well as contraceptives.
Minor ailments are common or uncomplicated health conditions that can be managed with minimal treatment and self-care strategies. Some examples are allergic rhinitis, cold sores, conjunctivitis (pink eye), fungal toenail infections, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections. Details about which minor ailments and contraceptives are included can be found on the province’s website at gov.bc.ca/SeeAPharmacist. The website also includes self-assessment questions and a link to medical information about each minor ailment.
An assessment appointment with your pharmacist is similar to a doctor’s appointment, as your pharmacist will review your medical history, your current symptoms, and any other information needed to make a prescribing decision. For answers to frequently asked questions about this service, please read our article, PPMAC Starts June 1.
It’s easy to book an appointment with our pharmacists. Please visit our booking site to schedule an appointment at a time that’s convenient for you, or phone us at (250) 338-4790 if you need assistance.
Virtual Doctor Appointments
Don't have a family doctor? Now you can use Tia Health's online telemedicine platform for convenient access to a doctor. This service provides video chat, phone and secure messaging consultations with licensed Canadian doctors. You get to choose the doctor — and the doctor can talk to your pharmacist about the best treatment for you. The cost of the medical appointment is covered by MSP, just like a visit to your family doctor. Click on the Tia Health logo to find out more.
Easy Prescription Ordering
Why wait in line for your prescription? With PharmaConnect, you can order your prescription refills on your Smartphone or online, and you'll be notified by email and/or text when your prescriptions are ready for pickup. You can also send us a photo of a new prescription through PharmaConnect, then bring the original with you when you come to pick it up. And we can link your family’s (even your dog’s) profiles to your account, so you can order their prescriptions, too. This service is available 24/7, making it convenient to order your medications even when the pharmacy is closed.
Stay organized. With PharmaConnect, you can see when you last filled a prescription and see how many refills you have left. You can view, download and print your list of medications ahead of medical appointments or before traveling. You can learn more about each of your medications. And when it's time to do your taxes, you can easily download the previous year’s tax receipts in one document … so much easier than keeping track of all those receipts.
The easiest way to sign up and get connected to Medicine Shoppe #414 is to ask us for your personal registration code, but you can also search for our pharmacy name. If you prefer to sign up using your Smartphone, the TELUS PharmaConnect app is available for both iOS and Android.
Local Delivery
Yes, we deliver! If you are able to come to the pharmacy, we appreciate being able to counsel about your medications in person. However, if you have just been discharged from hospital or are unable to come in to the pharmacy for other reasons, please contact us to discuss your medications and to arrange for free, local delivery. Please also advise us if you would like us to include any front store items with your prescription delivery.