As of January 1, 2023 pharmacists in Ontario are now authorized to prescribe certain medications for the minor ailments listed below:
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 sores)
Impetigo
Insect bites and urticaria (hives)
Tick bites, post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent Lyme disease
Musculoskeletal sprains and strains
Urinary tract infections (uncomplicated)
Keep the following things in mind when seeking care from your pharmacist for minor ailments:
Your pharmacist does not have access to your full medical record. Please ensure you tell them about any medications you are taking, and about any significant medical conditions especially conditions of the immune system, heart, gastrointestinal tract, liver or kidneys.
If your symptoms do not improve after the time period suggested by your pharmacist, please follow up with your doctor as some minor ailment symptoms can overlap with more serious conditions.
Your family doctor will continue to see and treat these conditions at scheduled appointments. We have online appointment booking here: https://portal.healthmyself.net/newcastlemedical/ (This service is only for patients already rostered to a family doctor in our practice.) If your condition has resolved, it may not be necessary to see your doctor as well, please use your judgment.
Having the legislated authority to prescribe for minor ailments does not mean all pharmacists must offer or provide this service.
The assessment is covered by your Ontario Health Card, however medications may not be depending on your coverage eligibility.