1. Medical Services
  2. Managing Medications

Managing Medications

Before Arriving on Campus

  • Gather documentation and health records including prescription details and diagnosed conditions
  • Bring sufficient medication which may include:
    • 3-month supply of existing prescriptions (if possible)
    • Enough medication to last until returning home
    • Asking the healthcare provider who prescribed the medications to provide enough refills to last the entire semester or school year
    • Transferring prescription to a local pharmacy
    • Translating medication details to English

Running Out of Medication

If students are about to run out of a prescribed medication and have no more refills available, they have several options:

  • Call the healthcare provider who prescribed the medication well before it runs out
  • If medication is going to run out in a few days, go to a pharmacy to see if an emergency refill or “bridge” is possible. Bring a copy of the prescription, pill bottle and verbal confirmation from the original dispensing pharmacy.
  • Book an appointment for a medication review before it runs out

New Medications

If students experience a new health issue, need a new prescription or are seeking access to a new medication (such as birth control),  book a medical appointment .

Paying for Medications

There are a few different ways students can pay for medications:

  • Through the supplementary health insurance plan called  (unless students have opted out), or another private health insurance provider that will cover all or some of the cost.
  • Most pharmacies have a “dispensing fee” which are not always covered by insurance plans. Ask the pharmacist how much this will cost for the prescribed medication.
  • People under age 25 with Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) who do not have a supplementary health insurance plan, may obtain medication at no cost through the  . Ask the pharmacist about whether the prescribed medication is covered through this program.
  • If none of the above options are available, students will have to pay for the prescribed medication when pick it up at the pharmacy.