Ogden Pharmacy in Calgary cares about the information our patients and residents may need in their daily lives related to prescriptions administered in Calgary, Alberta, and Canada.

So we decided to jot down some frequently asked questions about the medical prescriptions we receive from family doctors and specialists.

1. What is a medical prescription?

A medical prescription is an order for medication or medical treatment from a licensed healthcare professional. In Calgary (and Alberta in general), prescriptions must be written on an authorized prescription form and signed by the prescriber.

2. How do I get a medical prescription?

You must first consult with a licensed healthcare professional to get a medical prescription. This could be your family doctor, a specialist, or a nurse practitioner. During your consultation, the healthcare professional will assess your health needs and determine if a prescription is appropriate.

3. What information does a medical prescription include?

A medical prescription must include the following information: the name and address of the prescriber, the name and address of the person for whom the prescription is intended (the patient), the name of the medication or treatment, the dosage, route of administration, and the number of repeats.

4. Can I get a prescription without seeing a healthcare professional?

No. In Alberta, it is illegal to prescribe medication or medical treatment without first conducting a medical examination by a physician or an assessment of a prescribing pharmacist that has an additional prescribing authorization (APA).

It is noteworthy that the APA is only used in minor ailments, for emergency cases (no narcotics), and on a case-by-case basis.

5. How much does a medical prescription cost?

There is no set fee for a medical prescription. The cost will depend on the type of healthcare professional you see, the type of medication or treatment prescribed, and whether or not you have insurance coverage.

6. Do I need insurance to get a medical prescription?

No. You do not need insurance to get a medical prescription. However, insurance may cover some or all of the costs associated with your prescription.

7. How do I fill a medical prescription?

In Calgary, Alberta, prescriptions can be filled at any pharmacy. You will need to present your prescription to the pharmacist, who will then dispense the medication or medical treatment.

8. Can I fill my prescription at any pharmacy?

Yes. In Alberta, prescriptions can be filled at any pharmacy.

9. How long is a medical prescription valid?

In Calgary, Alberta, prescriptions are valid for one year from the date of issue. If your prescription are entered in any pharmacy computer system, the validity is 18 months, if not narcotics or controlled medication (Schedule 1).

10. Can I renew my prescription?

Yes. In Calgary, Alberta, prescriptions can be renewed for up to one year from the date of issue. To renew your prescription, you will need to consult with the prescriber.

Under certain conditions, to ensure continuity of care, the pharmacist can renew your prescription.

11. What if I lost my prescription?

If you lose your prescription, you will need to consult the prescriber to get a new one.

12. Can someone else pick up my prescription for me?

Yes. In Alberta, prescriptions can be picked up by someone else on your behalf. The person picking up the prescription will need to present your prescription to the pharmacist.

13. Do I need a medical prescription for over-the-counter medication?

No. In Alberta, you do not need a medical prescription for over-the-counter medication.

14. What is a controlled medication?

A controlled medication is a medication that has been designated by the government as requiring special controls to ensure its safety and efficacy. In Alberta, all prescriptions for controlled medications must be written on an authorized prescription form.

15. Can I get a prescription for a controlled medication online?

No. It is illegal in Calgary, Alberta, to prescribe controlled medications without conducting a medical examination.

16. What are the consequences of filling a false medical prescription?

Filling a false medical prescription is a criminal offence. The penalties for this offence can include a fine and/or imprisonment.

17. What are the consequences of forging a medical prescription?

Forging a medical prescription is a criminal offence. The penalties for this offence can include a fine and/or imprisonment.

18. What are the consequences of using a forged medical prescription?

Using a forged medical prescription is a criminal offence. The penalties for this offence can include a fine and/or imprisonment.

19. What are the consequences of selling a forged medical prescription?

Selling a forged medical prescription is a criminal offence. The penalties for this offence can include a fine and/or imprisonment.

20. What are the consequences of selling a controlled medication without a prescription?

Selling a controlled medication without a prescription is a criminal offence. The penalties for this offence can include a fine and/or imprisonment.

21. What are the consequences of possessing a controlled medication without a prescription?

Possessing a controlled medication without a prescription is a criminal offence. The penalties for this offence can include a fine and/or imprisonment.

22. What are the consequences of using a controlled medication without a prescription?

Using a controlled medication without a prescription is a criminal offence. The penalties for this offence can include a fine and/or imprisonment.

23. Do I need a medical prescription to get birth control in Calgary?

No, you do not need a medical prescription to get birth control in Calgary. You can get birth control from a pharmacy without a prescription.

24. Can I get a medical prescription for Viagra in Calgary?

Yes, you can get a medical prescription for Viagra in Calgary. Viagra is a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction.

25. Do I need a medical prescription to get a flu shot in Calgary?

No, you do not need a medical prescription to get a flu shot in Calgary. Flu shots are available at many pharmacies and other locations without a prescription.

26. Can I get a medical prescription for an MRI in Calgary?

Yes, you can get a medical prescription for an MRI in Calgary. MRIs are often prescribed for people who have suffered a head injury or medical condition requiring imaging.

27. Can I get a medical prescription for physical therapy in Calgary?

Yes, you can get a medical prescription for physical therapy in Calgary. Physical therapy can be prescribed by a doctor for a variety of conditions.

28. Do I need a prescription for every medication?

No, not every medication requires a prescription. Over-the-counter medications do not require a prescription.

29. What is the difference between a prescription and an over-the-counter medication?

Prescription medication is a drug that can only be obtained with a doctor’s prescription. In contrast, an over-the-counter medication is a drug that can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription.

30. What if I don’t have a prescription?

You can still purchase over-the-counter medications if you do not have a prescription.

31. Can I transfer my prescriptions to another pharmacy?

Yes. You can easily transfer any prescription you have to any pharmacy you wish. You can call Ogden Pharmacy at 587-391-9878 and our pharmacists will transfer your prescriptions to our location at Lynnwood, Ogden and will free deliver them to your home.

32. How can I transfer my prescription to Ogden Pharmacy?

There are many ways to transfer your prescription to Ogden Pharmacy:

• You can just call us at 587-391-9878, and our pharmacists will get limited information from you, and they will do the transfer.
• You can also use this link to submit your prescription information to us; our pharmacists will do the rest.
• You can ask your doctor to send us your prescriptions to Ogden Pharmacy at fax number 403-538-6401.
• You can drop by (especially if you are a neighbour and live in Lynnwood, Ogden, or Riverbend) our pharmacy location in Calgary at 7 – 1603 62 Avenue SE, Calgary T2C 2C5, and hand us your prescription.
  
  In any of the scenarios above, we will do most of the work for you, fill the prescription needed, then send it to you through our free delivery service. Once you transfer your prescriptions to Ogden Pharmacy, you will be eligible for our free blister packs service, which will organize all your prescriptions for FREE.