Transferring prescriptions to a new pharmacy can make life much easier. When shifting your prescriptions, there are some actions you can take to ensure the process goes along without a hitch. Below are a few tips to make certain everything moves as smoothly as possible.

3 Tips for Transferring Prescription Medications to a New Pharmacy

1. Let Your New Pharmacy Know

Make the new pharmacy aware that you will be using them for all your prescription needs moving forward. Also, let them know how you can be reached in case they have any questions, or any issues arise. This way, they will be on the lookout for your prescriptions and can provide more customized service.

2. Talk to Your Doctor

Doctors often keep prescribing pharmacy information in your patient file, and they may not verify the pharmacy name with you before submitting a new prescription or a refill. When requesting new meds or a refill, tell the doctor that you have a new pharmacy and provide them with all the appropriate contact information. Also, ask them to remove the old pharmacy from your file so you don't risk having your medications sent to the wrong place.

3. Be Familiar With Your Medications

Some medications, like controlled substances, can't be transferred between pharmacies or can only be transferred just once. If you take any of these meds, always discuss the transfer with your doctor well before the current prescription runs out.

In some cases, the doctor will have to give you a signed, paper prescription to physically bring to your new pharmacy. Waiting until the last minute to take care of this could mean you run out of your medication. When in doubt about whether a prescription is transferrable, always check with the new pharmacy first.

Following these tips will get you switched over to your new pharmacy with a minimum of stress and hassle. Gates Pharmacy has been serving the Lorain County, Ohio, area for nearly three decades; they offer all aspects of pharmacy services, medical supplies, vitamins, and more. Call (440) 329-7300, visit them online, or visit their University Hospitals page to start the transfer process.