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:

• their medical history
• any existing conditions or allergies
• any current medications they are on
• the signs and symptoms your child has 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 write a script and 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

You will then need to take your child’s script to a pharmacist in order to receive and pay for the medication. Sometimes the pharmacist will ask you if you would like a cheaper version of the same medication. The cheaper version is also called the generic brand. The generic brand will work the same for your child, it is just a cheaper option. 

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

Repeats

Prescriptions may have ‘repeats’ which allows you to revisit the pharmacy when your child’s medication is low to get a repeat of the same medication. This is a convenient way to get medication without always having to visit your doctor first. 

If your child still requires medication after the repeats have run out, you will need to book in to see your child’s doctor to get another prescription.