Dispensing a Medication

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Pharmacies in Nova Scotia dispense over 15 million prescriptions every year.

Pharmacy teams ensure every dispensed medication is accurate, appropriate, and delivered with clinical expertise.

Filling a prescription involves more than counting pills and applying a label. Dispensing is the process of preparing, documenting and assessing a prescription for technical accuracy and clinical appropriateness prior to release to a patient. Pharmacists review the medication, dose, and instructions to ensure they are appropriate for you, and check your health record for potential interactions or other concerns. If the pharmacist did not prescribe the medication, they may need to consult with your prescriber to resolve these issues. The pharmacist also provides counseling and expert advice on how to use medications correctly, including potential side effects and interactions. This process takes time and is essential to making sure your medication is safe and right for you.

If you are out of refills, the pharmacist may be able to book you for a renewal assessment appointment. If you already have refills, ensure you request the refill at least 48 hours before it is needed.

Prescription Refills

Many prescriptions include refills; refills are additional supplies of a medication already prescribed.

Over-The-Counter (OTC) Counselling

Over-The-Counter Counselling (OTC)

OTC involves pharmacist assessment and guidance to ensure safe and appropriate use of non-prescription medications by evaluating symptoms while considering medication history.

Medical Device Training

A pharmacy team member will ensure you know how to use your medical device properly - from inhalers, blood glucose monitors, to compression stockings.

Medication Optimization

When dispensing a prescription, the pharmacist assesses its effectiveness and can prescribe changes, including dose adjustments, substitutions, or a tapering plan to safely stop the medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Click to view the description of each FAQ:

What should I expect when I pick up my prescription?

It is important that you understand your medication and how to take it properly. Your pharmacist is there to make sure you do.

In Nova Scotia, pharmacists are required to provide counseling on all new prescriptions. This means your pharmacist will have a conversation with you about your medications so you can tell them what you are expecting from your medication, and they can explain how to use it safely and effectively, including:

Why this particular medication has been prescribed
How to store your medication
How to take it properly
Common side effects to watch for and how to respond
How long before the medication takes effect
What to do if you miss a dose
Your prescription refill information

What should I expect when I drop off my prescription?

Your pharmacy will need information from you about your medical history and any non-prescription medications you are taking.

It’s your pharmacist’s job to find, fix, and help prevent medication-related problems. Some medications should not be taken by people who also have certain other medical conditions. Many medications interact with over-the-counter products (cough and cold medicines, natural health products and herbal supplements), alcohol and tobacco, and cannabis.

Your pharmacist also needs to know why the medication is being prescribed so they can make sure it is the best option for you. If it is not noted on the prescription, the pharmacist will need to find this out by contacting the prescriber or talking to you.

When should I order a refill on my prescription(s)?

Prescription (faxed, paper or electronic) can take up to 48 hours to fill. Please call ahead to confirm when your prescription(s) will be ready.

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