Daily life is busy, and it’s easy to get behind on the little details such as making sure medical prescriptions get refilled. If you find that you need a prescription that is now expired, don’t panic! There are a few steps you can take when this happens to make sure you get the medicine you need. 

Steps to Take When a Medical Prescription Expires

Call the Pharmacy

The first step to take if you find you are out of required medicine is to call the pharmacy. They may be able to refill the prescription at their discretion or call the doctor if there are no refills left. They will tell you if any additional information is needed before the refill, such as an office visit or lab work. The pharmacy is required to notify your doctor of the renewal.

Keep Your Latest Bottle

Your medical prescription bottle has specific details as to dosage and frequency, as well as the drug contents, previous refills, and specific warnings. These are crucial for the pharmacist to be able to refill the prescription, especially in an emergency or travel situation. 

Make a Doctor’s Appointment

If the pharmacy cannot renew the expired prescription, you may have to visit a doctor first to obtain a renewal. Keep in mind that pharmacists cannot renew medical prescriptions for certain drugs, such as migraine medication or narcotics, or extend the original prescription period. You’ll need a doctor’s permission for that. 

It may be easy for you to renew your medical prescriptions with just a call to the local pharmacy. Gates Pharmacy, serving Elyria, OH, is located conveniently on the University Hospital campus. They fill medical prescriptions, sell medical supplies, and carry over-the-counter medication and gifts. They also offer convenient prescription refills online. Visit their website for more information or call (440) 329-7300 to order a prescription.