Get Assessments and Prescriptions for Minor Ailments in Ontario
Get prescriptions for minor ailments in Ontario without seeing a doctor! One quick visit to our pharmacists will get you an assessment and appropriate treatment for your minor ailment. As of January 1st, 2023, your pharmacist can prescribe prescription medication for most common illnesses. Give us a call and see how we can help you.
What Is a Minor Ailment?
A minor ailment is, typically, a short-term condition that requires minimal treatment, which can include self-care strategies, over-the-counter drugs, or prescription medications that your pharmacist prescribes. The assessment of minor illnesses does not necessitate blood work or lab tests. Some additional criteria for establishing a minor ailment are:
- No medication or medical history that indicates a more serious condition
- Low risk that the treatment provided by your pharmacist may mask more serious underlying health conditions
Our pharmacists are trained to assess and prescribe treatment for minor ailments in Ontario and will refer you to a doctor in case your illness does not qualify as a minor ailment.
What Ailments Can Pharmacists Write Prescriptions For?
Pursuant to Ontario Regulation 202/94: General, pharmacists from Everest Whole Health Pharmacy can prescribe medication for:
- Allergic rhinitis
- Candidal stomatitis (oral thrush)
- Conjunctivitis (bacterial, allergic, and viral)
- Dermatitis (atopic, eczema, allergic, and contact)
- Dysmenorrhea
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Hemorrhoids
- Herpes labialis (cold sore)
- Impetigo
- Insect bites and urticaria (hives)
- Tick bites, post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent Lyme disease
- Musculoskeletal sprains and strains
- Urinary tract infections (uncomplicated)
Location:
In 2023, both pharmacists and primary care providers can give prescription medication for minor illnesses. The specific ailments for which a pharmacist may prescribe medication can vary between provinces.
Yes, pharmacists are authorized to prescribe prescription medication for common ailments.
Yes, pharmacists can take a course for common ailments prescribing. Moreover, all pharmacists that intend to prescribe medications are obligated to complete the Mandatory Orientation for Minor Ailments (Ailment) Prescribing module conducted by the Ontario College of Pharmacists.
Common conditions typically do not necessitate lab tests because they require only minimal treatment and/or self-care strategies. In case, after an assessment, the pharmacist determines the condition to be more complex than a minor ailment and, consequently, requires lab tests, the patient could be referred to a primary care provider.
No, there is no cost for minor illness assessment in Ontario. This service is funded by the Ministry of Health and you only need your health card to access it. If you are prescribed medication, there may be costs associated with the dispensation.
Yes, pharmacists are required to inform your primary care provider within a reasonable time frame. In case you do not have a primary care provider, this information is kept on your record.
The therapeutic choice for common ailments will depend on the specific conditions of the patient, which will be determined by an assessment. It may include self-care/at-home treatment plans, over-the-counter drugs, prescription medication, or a combination of each.
Yes, pharmacists can prescribe medication for pink eye, i.e., conjunctivitis (bacterial, allergic, and viral) under the new Regulation.
You can find out what healthcare services a pharmacy provides by contacting it directly or potentially reading its website. Pharmacists are not obligated to provide this service. The pharmacists at Everest Whole Health Pharmacy do prescribe medications for minor ailments in Ontario.