What Can Your Pharmacist Treat in British Columbia?

26 conditions — no appointment needed — no cost with a valid health card

Pharmacists in British Columbia can assess and prescribe for 26 common conditions. You don’t need an appointment — walk into any participating pharmacy, meet privately with the pharmacist, and get treated on the spot.

Right now in British Columbia, ER wait times range from 1h 22m to 4h 45m, averaging 2h 53m. Many of these waits are for conditions your pharmacist can handle in minutes.

View live British Columbia ER wait times →

All 26 Conditions

Your pharmacist in British Columbia can assess and prescribe for all of the following:

Acne (mild)
Topical and oral treatments for mild acne breakouts.
Allergies (seasonal)
Assessment and treatment for hay fever, seasonal allergies, and allergic rhinitis.
Canker sores
Treatment for painful mouth ulcers and aphthous ulcers.
Cold sores
Antiviral medication for cold sores and oral herpes (herpes labialis).
Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Antibiotic or antihistamine drops for bacterial or allergic pink eye.
Contraception (hormonal & emergency)
Prescriptions for birth control pills, patches, injections, and emergency contraception.
Dermatitis (atopic & contact)
Topical treatments for mild to moderate eczema and contact dermatitis.
Diaper rash
Treatment for diaper dermatitis including candidal (yeast) diaper rash.
Dry eyes
Assessment and treatment for chronic dry eyes (xerophthalmia).
Fungal skin infections (ringworm, athlete's foot, jock itch)
Antifungal treatments for ringworm, athlete's foot, jock itch, and other tinea infections.
Headache (tension-type)
Treatment for tension-type headaches.
Heartburn & indigestion
Treatment for acid reflux, heartburn, GERD, and indigestion (dyspepsia).
Hemorrhoids
Topical treatments and suppositories for hemorrhoids.
Impetigo
Topical antibiotics for impetigo skin infections.
Insect bites & stings
Treatment for itching, swelling, and mild allergic reactions from insect bites and stings.
Menstrual pain
Pain relief for menstrual cramps and dysmenorrhea.
Minor joint & muscle pain
Treatment for sprains, strains, and minor musculoskeletal pain.
Nasal congestion
Decongestants and treatments for nasal congestion and stuffiness.
Nicotine dependence (smoking cessation)
Nicotine replacement therapy and medications to help quit smoking.
Oral thrush
Antifungal treatment for oral candidiasis (thrush).
Pinworms
Antiparasitic medication for pinworm infections.
Prescription renewals
Renewal or extension of most existing prescriptions when your doctor is unavailable.
Shingles
Antiviral medication for herpes zoster (shingles) and related pain.
UTI (uncomplicated)
Antibiotics for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (bladder infections).
Warts
Treatment for common warts (excluding facial and genital warts).
Yeast infections
Antifungal treatment for vaginal candidiasis (yeast infections).

Long ER wait for something your pharmacist can treat?

Check British Columbia ER wait times →

Cost

No cost for the assessment with a valid BC Health Card. PharmaCare covers the $20 assessment fee. Medication costs may apply.

Medication costs are separate and may be covered by your provincial drug plan or private insurance.

How It Works

1
Visit your pharmacy

Walk in to any participating pharmacy. No appointment needed.

2
Private assessment

Meet with the pharmacist in a private counselling room. They’ll ask about your symptoms, medical history, and current medications.

3
Get treated

The pharmacist prescribes medication if appropriate, which can be filled at any pharmacy. Or they may recommend an over-the-counter treatment.

4
Follow-up

The pharmacist may follow up to check on your progress. If your primary care provider is on file, they’ll be notified of the assessment.

When to Go to the ER Instead

Your pharmacist cannot treat emergency conditions. Call 911 or go to the nearest ER for:

Chest pain Difficulty breathing Severe bleeding Stroke symptoms Serious injuries or fractures Severe allergic reactions Loss of consciousness High fever with stiff neck

Not sure? Call 811 — a registered nurse can help you decide. Free, confidential, 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a pharmacist prescribe antibiotics in British Columbia?
Yes. Pharmacists in British Columbia can prescribe antibiotics for certain conditions, most commonly uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs). The pharmacist will assess your symptoms and determine if antibiotics are appropriate.
Do I need to pay to see a pharmacist in British Columbia?
No cost for the assessment with a valid BC Health Card. PharmaCare covers the $20 assessment fee. Medication costs may apply.
Can a pharmacist treat my child in British Columbia?
Pharmacists can assess and prescribe for patients of all ages. For children who cannot consent or understand the treatment, a parent or guardian must be present. Some conditions may have age restrictions — the pharmacist will advise you.
What if the pharmacist can't treat my condition?
If your condition falls outside the pharmacist's scope, they will refer you to the appropriate care — your family doctor, a walk-in clinic, or the emergency department. You can also call 811 for guidance.
Can I get a prescription filled at a different pharmacy?
Yes. If your pharmacist prescribes a medication, you can have it filled at any pharmacy of your choice, just like a doctor's prescription.

Source: BC Pharmacy Association · Government of British Columbia

Other Provinces

Nova Scotia – 28 conditionsOntario – 22 conditionsAlberta – 30 conditionsManitoba – 23 conditionsSaskatchewan – 24 conditionsQuebec – 24 conditionsNew Brunswick – 34 conditionsNewfoundland & Labrador – 25 conditionsPrince Edward Island – 23 conditions

View live British Columbia ER wait times →

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