Medication Refills Q&A

When a provider orders a prescription, they may also authorize a certain number of refills, most commonly one to three months. This allows the patient to fill the prescription and then refill it up to the authorized number of times. A prescription is only valid for one year from the day the provider ordered it and cannot be filled if this timeframe has been exceeded.

There are several ways to refill your prescription:

• In person: The most common way to refill prescriptions is by going to the pharmacy where you originally filled your prescription. While you are there, you can request a refill, and either wait for it or come back to pick it up later.
• By phone: In addition to walking in, you can also call the pharmacy’s phone number listed on your medicine label to call in your refill. Most large pharmacies or chain stores have automated menus that you can use anytime, day or night, which you can then pick up during store hours. At smaller pharmacies, you might speak to the pharmacist or pharmacy assistant directly. Smartphone apps are also available that allow you to refill your prescription without making a phone call.
• Online: Another convenient option, some pharmacies let you reorder a prescription online. Unless they offer delivery, you may still have to go to the store to pick it up.
• By mail: People who take medicine regularly (such as to manage a health condition) may have the option to refill prescriptions by mail. Ask your doctor about this option. Because it may take up to 2 weeks to get your medicine, if you want to use the mail-order option, it is important to plan ahead.

Unless there is a question or concern about your original prescription or refill, more often than not, pharmacies will not call your doctor. While a call to your doctor may be needed to clear up any issues, it is an extra step that your pharmacist does not necessarily have to take and will lead to delays in filling your prescription and extended wait times at the pharmacy.

Refill times vary for different prescriptions. Many medications are dispensed in one-month supplies, while others may be dispensed in two or three-month supplies. Your prescribing doctor should tell you when you can get a refill, and it is likely included on your prescription. Your pharmacist is another professional who can tell you about the frequency of prescription refills and can answer any questions you may have, such as why your medication is only dispensed in one-month supplies.

If you need to refill your medication, come to Walking Urgent Care for our trusted pharmacy services. Our kind and compassionate professionals can make refilling your prescriptions easier and more convenient. Call us today to book an appointment for our urgent care pharmacy services.

We look forward to serving you! We serve patients from Coral Springs FL, Parkland FL, Tamarac FL, Margate FL, North Lauderdale FL, and Coconut Creek FL.