Getting a prescription medication

If you think your child needs medication for a condition or illness, it is best to schedule an appointment with your family doctor. It is important to let your doctor know about:

• your child’s medical history 
• any allergies or existing health conditions 
• any current medications they are on 
• the signs and symptoms your child have been experiencing.     

Based on the above factors, your doctor will likely diagnose or provide advice to you and your child. If the doctor thinks your child needs a certain medication that isn't available over the counter, they will prescribe medication for your child. Your family doctor will provide instructions regarding when to take the medication and how much to take (the dose). 

Collecting prescriptions

Take the prescription to your local pharmacy. Sometimes, the pharmacist might offer a generic brand — a cheaper version of the same medicine that works the same way. 

If you have questions, it’s best to ask your pharmacist or doctor when discussing the prescription.    

Repeats

Some prescriptions may come with ‘repeats'. This means you can get more of the same medicine from the pharmacy when needed, without a new prescription. Once the repeats run out, you’ll need to see the doctor again.