Can you transfer prescription refills to another pharmacy

Table of Contents Show

• What does it mean to transfer a prescription?
• What is a prescription?
• How do I transfer my prescription to a new pharmacy?
• Does a prescription transfer take long?
• Share this page
• Other articles on
• 1. Create a list of all your prescriptions
• 2. Gather your health and insurance information
• 3. Contact your new pharmacy
• 4. Wait for your prescription to be transferred 
• What To Consider When Transferring Prescriptions 
• If your prescription is out of refills
• Which prescriptions your new pharmacy offers 
• Check to see if your prescription can be transferred
• Your prescription can only be transferred once 
• Summary 
• Can you refill a prescription at a different pharmacy location?
• Can I transfer my prescription to another CVS?
• Can Adderall be transferred to a different pharmacy?
• Can Walgreens transfer prescriptions to another Walgreens?

One of the common tasks that occur in a pharmacy is the transfer of a prescription. It sometimes seems like a time-consuming process for you as a customer but in fact, it is straightforward.

This is a quick guide to prescription transfer and some of the common questions you might have along the way.

What does it mean to transfer a prescription?

When you want to transfer a prescription you are basically wanting to change your current pharmacy to a new pharmacy. Transferring prescriptions over to a new pharmacy is common and easy to do. It is an everyday occurrence in a pharmacy.

There are several reasons why you might decide to switch pharmacies. Maybe the new pharmacy is a local pharmacy within walking distance, has better prescription prices and service, offers more pharmacy services eg. focus on wellness, or has a mobile app that allows communication with them at your fingertips.

What is a prescription?

A prescription is an instruction order from your doctor to the pharmacist. It states the name of the medication, the required dosage, and strength, the duration, the number of refills as well as the directions for taking or applying it. Drugs that are classed as prescription only require a prescription. On the other hand, over-the-counter drugs can be purchased directly from a pharmacy.

How do I transfer my prescription to a new pharmacy?

This process is simple and effortless provided that you have all your prescription information and personal details. They must be accurate and up to date. If you are unsure your new pharmacy is there to help.

Essential information your new pharmacy will need:

• Your name
• Date of birth
• Phone number
• Prescription number (Rx number)
• Name of the medications you would like to transfer
• Your medical history
• Insurance information
• The pharmacy where you are filling the prescription currently and their phone number

The information above will allow a smooth prescription transfer with minimal time delays.

It is recommended when transferring to a new pharmacy that you transfer every prescription you have. This will allow the pharmacist in charge to see a full picture of your medication usage, spot potential adverse reactions between medications and take into account any over-the-counter medication you may be taking.

Before transferring pharmacy you must be certain the new pharmacy will offer your prescription. Specific medications can not transfer to a different pharmacy including Adderall, Concerta, Vyvanse, Oxycontin, Percocet, Vicodin, and certain Schedule II controlled substances. Additionally, other medications can only be transferred once, even if you have more than one refill left e.g. Ambien, testosterone, Ultram, and Xanax. After transferring them once, you’ll need a new prescription from your doctor to switch pharmacies again.

Your new pharmacy will generally take responsibility for making sure your prescriptions are transferred from the old pharmacy. The pharmacist can also contact your doctor to sort out refills. Some insurance plans have preferred pharmacies but your new pharmacy will know if this is the case.

Does a prescription transfer take long?

A transfer request can take a few hours or up to 24 hours. If it is urgent ringing the old pharmacy directly and requesting a faster process for whatever reason is the best solution.

Your new pharmacy will then contact you once the prescription has been transferred to them. They will then dispense your medication on your next prescription refill date advised by your doctor.

Also read

There are a variety of reasons for which one may switch pharmacies, but the most common are price and location. After identifying an online pharmacy to switch to, the next step is to begin the process of transferring medications. In the following 2-minute article, we outline how to transfer prescriptions to a new pharmacy. We also discuss other factors to consider when transferring prescriptions. 

Transferring prescriptions between pharmacies is a hassle-free process that often only takes a few business days. Follow these steps to ensure your transition to a new pharmacy is as smooth as possible. 

1. Create a list of all your prescriptions

Once you have decided on a new pharmacy to transfer your prescriptions, it is advisable to create a list of your prescriptions to stay organized. Your new pharmacy will likely ask for this list once you have decided to work with them. 

2. Gather your health and insurance information

You will need to provide your new pharmacy with personal, health, and insurance information so they can incorporate you into their system accurately and efficiently. This information often includes the following:

• Your legal first and last name
• Your date of birth
• Your address
• Your insurance provider and plan 
• Phone number or other contact information 
• Any allergies or other conditions you have 

3. Contact your new pharmacy

Let both your new and old pharmacies know that you plan on transferring your prescription. In most cases, you will need to provide information on the strength, dosage, and frequency of all your prescriptions. You can contact your pharmacy by phone, email, text or an in-person visit. 

4. Wait for your prescription to be transferred 

After you have talked with your new pharmacy and provided them with a list of medications and insurance information, hold tight so they can transfer your prescription. The transfer time can vary depending on your insurance provider and how many prescriptions you are looking to transfer. It is recommended to wait at least 3 days before contacting your new pharmacy about your prescription or refills. Most pharmacies will ask you to provide them with a phone number at which they can notify you about updates on your prescription. 

What To Consider When Transferring Prescriptions 

Transferring prescriptions to another pharmacy is often a hassle-free process that takes only a few days. However, there are special circumstances under which the transfer may be delayed. Staying in contact with your old pharmacy can ensure the transfer takes place with as few complications as possible. 

If your prescription is out of refills

Before transferring prescriptions, it is advisable to take stock of when you will be due for your next refill. Doing so can ensure that you do not run out of medications before your prescription begins at your new pharmacy. 

Which prescriptions your new pharmacy offers 

Make sure your new pharmacy offers all of your current prescriptions. Although almost all pharmacies carry a set of basic products, your new pharmacy may not carry certain niche medications. Certain medications, such as Percocet, Oxycontin, and Vicodin do not allow you to transfer prescriptions. 

Check to see if your prescription can be transferred

Some prescriptions and medications cannot be transferred at all. Schedule 2 controlled substances such as oxycodone, codeine, opium, and fentanyl cannot be transferred between pharmacies due to their high risk of overdose. These medications are also ineligible for refills; you must talk to your pharmacist each time you wish to get a new bottle. If you currently take any schedule 2 medications, you will need to ask your doctor to write you a separate prescription for your new pharmacy, even if you have not completed your current one. 

Your prescription can only be transferred once 

Certain medications, such as Xanax, Ambien, and Tylenol can only be transferred once before they must be renewed. Schedule 5 medications, including those used for anti-diarrhea and analgesic purposes, can also only be transferred once. 

Summary 

Before transferring prescriptions it is important to gather a list of medications, as well as your health and insurance information. It may take as long as 3 days for your prescriptions to transfer. 

Some prescriptions may not be able to be transferred. Others, such as Xanax and Tylenol, can only be transferred once between pharmacies. 

Can you refill a prescription at a different pharmacy location?

Can I transfer my prescription to another CVS?

Can Adderall be transferred to a different pharmacy?

Can Walgreens transfer prescriptions to another Walgreens?