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Summary

Drugs you continue to take will likely have to be renewed. The label from the pharmacy will indicate how many times you can renew it as well as how many renewals you have left.

To get a renewal, call or e-mail your pharmacy and ask for a renewal. If a prescription is required from the doctor for the renewal, either ask the pharmacist to contact the doctor, or let the pharmacist know you will contact the doctor and have the prescription sent directly to the pharmacy.

Keep track on your calendar or in your computer when to refill a prescription. Include sufficient lead time to assure that you don't run out. If the renewal will require obtaining a new prescription, leave extra lead time. If you need a refill in a hurry, even if you can get a refill in time, there can be unnecessary stress and extra expense involved. For more information about when to order a refill, click here.

If you need medications in an emergency, your pharmacy can usually give you a one or two day supply while you contact your doctor for a new prescription.

If you have a tendency to lose your drugs, or to not get refills until the prescription runs out, ask your doctor to write a letter to your pharmacy authorizing emergency supplies of all your medications.

For drugs you take on an ongoing basis:

  • Check every six months to see if you can save money buying it in a different manner or place than previously. For instance by buying in bulk.
  • Talk with your pharmacist about coordinating the renewal dates for all your drugs so you don't have to go to the pharmacy more often than necessary. The pharmacist should be able to contact your doctors' office(s) and do this for you.

NOTE:

  • When you get a refill, check immediately to make sure the drug looks exactly the same as the original prescription. If the refill looks different, ask the pharmacist for an explanation. If the drug has been switched, see: Drug Switches By An Insurance Carrier.
  • If you are taking a drug long term, ask your doctor whether you should be taking supplements because of the drug. Long term use of some drugs can interfere with your body's ability to absorb and metabolize nutrients.

When To Order A Renewal Of A Prescription Drug

Always keep an adequate supply of all your drugs on hand. Do not wait until you are out of the medication before calling for a refill.

If you purchase drugs locally, and they are readily available: You should always have on hand at least a three-day supply.

If you purchase drugs locally, and they are not readily available: Find out what the lead time is for your pharmacy to order the drugs. Add at least three days to the lead time. Always order renewals before that date.

If you purchase drugs on the internet or by mail: Order refills at least a week before you run out.

If a new prescription is needed before you can refill a drug:

  • If the doctor can call in the prescription: you can follow the time line suggested above, depending on the situation.
  • If the doctor has to send a hard copy of the prescription (such as for narcotics): add an extra 4 or 5 days to allow time to get the prescription mailed to the pharmacy.

If you will be traveling, make certain that you have extra medication to last until your return home -- plus a few extra days in case the trip gets extended. To learn more, see Preparing For Travel and Packing For Travel.