How To Transfer a Prescription to a New Pharmacy in 3 Easy Steps

1) Get in touch with your new pharmacy

Let your new pharmacy know that you want to transfer your prescriptions from your old pharmacy. You’ll need to get them the name, strength, and prescription number of each prescription, along with the phone number of your old pharmacy. You can do this by calling, stopping by the new pharmacy in person, or going online if your new pharmacy offers transfer services on a website or mobile app.

2) Gather your health and insurance information

You’ll also need to give your new pharmacy some personal information, and your insurance information. If they offer online transfers, you can also send this information through their website. The new pharmacy will typically need to know:

• Your first and last name
• Date of birth
• Address
• Phone number
• Any allergies you may have

3) Hang tight

Wait for your prescriptions to be transferred. The amount of time your new pharmacy needs can depend on how many prescriptions need to be moved over. I recommend giving the pharmacy at least 1 to 3 days before you need to pick up your refills. That way, any issues can be taken care of before you go in. If you want the pharmacy to alert you to any possible issues during the transfer process, make sure they have your preferred phone number to reach you.

Don’t forget to bring your insurance card or any coupons you want to use with you when you pick up your prescription. The pharmacist will need that information to get you the right price.

Special circumstances

If you’re on top of your medication regimen and know which of your prescriptions are eligible for a refill, transferring your prescriptions should be an easy task. However, it’s important to be aware that a few things could keep you from a smooth transfer process. Keeping in contact with your doctor’s office can help to make sure you don’t run into any of these hiccups.

• Your prescription is out of refills. If your prescription is out of refills your new pharmacy can contact the doctor on your behalf to request a new prescription. I also encourage my patients to reach out to their doctor’s office since you might be out of refills for reasons that your pharmacist won’t be able to resolve. For example, your doctor might need you to schedule a follow-up appointment or get blood work, or maybe, you no longer need that medication.
• Some prescriptions can only be transferred once. Schedule III, IV, and V medications are controlled substances and can only be transferred one time, no matter how many refills you have left. After transferring them once, you’ll need a new prescription from your doctor to switch pharmacies again. Some common examples of these types of medications include Ambien (zolpidem), Tylenol with codeine (acetaminophen/codeine), testosterone, Ultram (tramadol) and Xanax (alprazolam).
• Some prescriptions can’t be transferred. Schedule II controlled substance medications cannot be transferred—at all. They also aren’t eligible for refills; your doctor will need to give you a new prescription every time you fill. Some common examples include Adderall (amphetamine salt combo), Concerta (methylphenidate ER), Vicodin (hydrocodone/acetaminophen), Percocet (oxycodone/acetaminophen) and Oxycontin (oxycodone ER).

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