Where to get prescriptions filled

Most chains use one prescription database for all their stores, so you can pick up prescriptions at different stores in the same chain. Before you fill your prescription, find out if it's covered by insurance. Some medicines may not be. For example, your insurance company may not cover certain acne medicines or your doctor may have to contact the insurance company to get these approved.

If that's the case, you'll want to know so there are no surprises at the pharmacy. Often the number to call is on the back of your insurance card.

If your health insurance covers prescriptions, take your prescription card to the pharmacy. When you first fill a prescription, the pharmacy staff might ask you to leave your card for a while so they can verify your insurance. You may be asked to show your state-issued identification for some medicines, so keep it handy. The staff will probably ask if you have questions for the pharmacist or ask you to sign a waiver if you don't. Now's your chance to ask any questions you might have thought of since leaving the doctor's office — such as the best time of day to take your medicine, whether it needs to be taken with food, etc.

If the pharmacy seems busy or you don't want to ask about something personal in front of other people, you can always call the pharmacy and ask to speak to the pharmacist after you leave. Do you notice headaches after using your prescription eye drops? These are all good things to mention to your pharmacist — especially as people can sometimes notice new side effects even after they've been taking a medicine for many years.

When you pick up your prescription, let your pharmacist know if you've started using any new medicines. Even over-the-counter medicines like cold medicines or herbal supplements can sometimes affect how well prescriptions work or interact with prescription medicines to cause health problems.

If the pharmacy seems busy or you don't want to ask about something personal like birth control in front of other people, call and ask to speak to the pharmacist after you leave. Mention that you just refilled your prescription and have questions. No matter how busy they are, pharmacists are eager to help — it's their job to make sure people take their medicines safely and effectively.

Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. There are several ways to refill your prescription: In person. Go to the pharmacy where you originally filled your prescription , request a refill, and either wait for it or come back to pick it later. By phone. Use 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 though of course you'll have to wait for store hours to pick up your refill. The voice prompts will lead you through the process. At smaller pharmacies, you might speak to the pharmacist or pharmacy technician directly. You also can download smartphone apps that let you refill your prescription without making a phone call. If your pharmacy lets you reorder a prescription online, you may still have to go to the store to pick it up.

By mail. People who take medicine regularly such as every day to manage a health condition can sometimes refill prescriptions by mail. This option is convenient because you can often get your medicine in batches say, a 3-month supply of allergy pills if your doctor gives you a prescription for that amount.

Speaking of birth control, your doc will probably ask about birth control or whether you use alcohol or drugs. Many doctors find a way to speak privately with teen patients so they can share confidential information. View Quiz. Your doctor may hand you a written prescription to take the pharmacy of your choice.

Most chains use one prescription database for all their stores, allowing you to pick up prescriptions at different stores in the same chain.

Some medications may not be. For example, your insurance company may not cover certain acne medications or your doctor may have to contact the insurance company to get these approved.

If your health insurance covers prescriptions, take your prescription card to the pharmacy. When you first fill a prescription, the pharmacy staff might ask you to leave your card for a while so they can verify your insurance. Mention that you just filled your prescription there and you have questions.

Your prescription may come with an information sheet from the manufacturer, and probably one from the pharmacy too. These offer useful information on how best to take that particular medication and also any side effects to watch out for.

Pharmacists are trained in the science of how medications work and can offer lots of useful advice. Reviewed by: Letitia A. Note: All information on KidsHealth is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

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