Pharmacists in every Canadian province can assess and prescribe for common conditions. No appointment needed.
Most Canadians don’t know that their pharmacist can prescribe medication for conditions like UTIs, cold sores, pink eye, and allergies — no doctor visit or ER trip required. This expanded significantly across Canada between 2023 and 2025.
Select your province below to see the full list of conditions your pharmacist can treat, whether it’s covered by your health card, and how the process works.
28 conditions including UTIs, cold sores, pink eye, allergies
Free with health card26 conditions including UTIs, cold sores, pink eye, allergies
Free with health card22 conditions including UTIs, cold sores, pink eye, allergies
Free with health card30 conditions including UTIs, cold sores, pink eye, allergies
Fees may apply34 conditions including UTIs, cold sores, pink eye, allergies
Fees may apply24 conditions including UTIs, cold sores, pink eye, allergies
Free with health card23 conditions including UTIs, cold sores, pink eye, allergies
Fees may apply24 conditions including UTIs, cold sores, pink eye, allergies
Free with health card25 conditions including UTIs, cold sores, pink eye, allergies
Fees may apply23 conditions including UTIs, cold sores, pink eye, allergies
Fees may applyYour pharmacist can help with common, non-life-threatening conditions that would otherwise mean a long wait at the ER or a trip to a walk-in clinic. These include infections like UTIs and pink eye, skin conditions like cold sores and eczema, and ongoing needs like contraception and prescription renewals.
Go to the ER for: chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, stroke symptoms (sudden weakness, numbness, confusion), serious injuries, allergic reactions with breathing difficulty, or any condition you believe is life-threatening.
Not sure? Call 811 anywhere in Canada. A registered nurse can help you decide where to go. Free, confidential, available 24/7.