Pharmacists

Pharmacists are the medication experts. They have the most in-depth knowledge of drug therapies compared to all other healthcare professionals.  They are also one of the most accessible, front-line health care providers. They are available during evenings, weekends and on holidays.

New Brunswick pharmacists can now assess your symptoms and prescribe medication for a variety of health conditions often referred to as minor ailments for eligible New Brunswick residents with no service fee. This program does NOT however cover the cost of the dispensing fee(s), injection fee(s) or the prescribed medication(s).

Pharmacists can assess and treat minor ailments that do not require lab or blood test and are usually short-term conditions:

• “At-home” or self-care treatments
• Over-the-counter medication treatments

It is always a good idea to check with your local pharmacist to find out if they offer these services since it is not mandatory that every pharmacist offer service for every minor ailment.

Minor ailments and services that pharmacists are funded to assess and prescribe for include:

• Acne (Mild)
• Cold Sores: Must be 12 years of age or older and previously diagnosed with cold sores.
• Contact Allergic Dermatitis: Must be 2 years of age and older
• Contraception Management
• Eczema (Mild to moderate): Must be 2 years of age and older
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Must be 18 years of age and older
• Impetigo: Must be 2 years of age and older
• Shingles: Must be 12 years of age and older
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s): Must be between the ages of 16 and 64 and previously diagnosed with a UTI.
• Prescription renewal
• Tick bites: Presenting within 72 hours of a suspected tick bite and have no symptoms

Other services that pharmacists are funded to provide include:

• Seasonal Influenza vaccination
• Pneumococcal vaccination
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Drug Therapy (Paxlovid)
• Avian Flu Drug Therapy

These services are funded through the Public Health Plan.

• Learn more about the Public Health Plan

The pharmacist will:

• provide the service in person. (You may meet with the pharmacist in a private counselling room).
• explain the process and obtain your consent to complete an assessment.
• have a detailed discussion with you to assess your ailment. (They will also ask questions about what medical conditions you have, what medications you take, what kind of symptoms you are having, how long have you had them, etc.).
• discuss all appropriate options for treatment including those they are unable to prescribe.
• refer to an appropriate health care provider or service if the patient prefers to use a medication that the pharmacist is unable to prescribe.
• plan a follow-up to monitor safety and effectiveness if medication is prescribed.
• notify your primary care provider (if you have one).

The prescription can be filled at the pharmacy of your choice.

*Please note that pharmacies may require an appointment.

Eligibility:

To be eligible for any service, you must:

• Be a resident of New Brunswick and have a valid NB Medicare card
• Not reside in a nursing home
• Not reside in a correctional facility

Ineligibility:

If not eligible for the service or if the maximum number of services has been met, contact your healthcare provider or:

The Pharmacist Care Clinic pilot is a collaboration between the New Brunswick College of Pharmacists and the Department of Health. The pilot will allow six community pharmacies in the province to offer Point of Care Testing and prescribing for Group A Strep (strep throat), and chronic disease management for diabetes, COPD, asthma and cardiovascular disease.

As of September 18^th, 2023,  all six Pharmacist Care Clinics are now open.  An appointment is needed in order to receive a service at these clinics. To schedule an appointment, see the information provided below for your pharmacy of choice.

Shoppers Drug Mart, 1040 Prospect St., Fredericton, 506-451-1567 or  Pharmacist Clinic | Shoppers Drug Mart®

Lawtons Drugs, 435 Brookside Dr., Fredericton, 506-238-3987 or www.pharmacyappointments.ca

Marie-Claude Cyr Inc. Familiprix, 1351 Des Fondateurs St., Paquetville, 506-764-3553

Jean Coutu Riverview, 438 Coverdale Rd., Riverview, 506-853-0825

The Medicine Shoppe, 1685 Main St., Moncton, 506-854-5846 or https://medshoppe294clinic.medmeapp.ca/schedule

Hampton Pharmasave, 599 Main St., Hampton, 506-832-5564