Filling a prescription is usually a straightforward process. But you can always ask your pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.
When you originally had the prescription filled, your doctor should have either given you a written prescription or sent it electronically to your chosen pharmacy.
All the information you need to get a refill should be on the label of the original prescription bottle or package. This includes:
- the pharmacy’s name, address, and phone number
- the prescription (Rx) number
- the name of the doctor who prescribed the medication
- the number of refills you have left
- when the prescription was last filled and when it expires
If you’ve lost the original bottle or drug package, you can typically call the pharmacy that filled the prescription and ask to speak with a pharmacist. They can locate the prescription information using your name and date of birth and assist you from there.
You can usually request a prescription drug refill by phone, in person, online, or through a pharmacy app.
- By phone: Call the pharmacy at the number shown on the prescription label. Most large pharmacies have automated systems to guide you through the refill process, while smaller ones may have you speak directly with pharmacy staff.
- In person: Go to the pharmacy where you originally filled your prescription and ask for a refill. If the medication is in stock, you can usually wait for it, or you can come back later to pick it up.
- Online or via an app: Many pharmacies — such as Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS — let you refill prescriptions through their websites or mobile apps. You’ll need to log in, select the medication, and follow the prompts.
- By mail: For medication you take regularly, you can ask your doctor if mail-order refills are an option. This is helpful for long-term prescriptions, and you can often get a 3-month supply of the drug (sometimes at a discounted rate). However, be sure to plan ahead, as delivery can take up to 2 weeks.
You can often refill a prescription without seeing a doctor in person, but it depends on several factors. If you still have refills remaining, you don’t need to involve them in the refill process.
If you’re out of refills or your refills have expired, you’ll need to contact your doctor. A lot of times, the pharmacy can call them and request a refill authorization for you. But in some cases, your doctor may want to see you before authorizing the refill.
There are certain situations where you may not need a traditional doctor’s appointment to get a refill of a medication that has no refills remaining:
- In some states, pharmacists are allowed to provide a one-time emergency refill of certain maintenance medications if you’ve run out and can’t reach your doctor. This is especially true of critical drugs such as insulin and heart medication. However, the ability to get an emergency or one-time refill depends on the drug and local regulations.
- Many telemedicine companies enable you to meet with a healthcare professional online, who can then authorize a refill if appropriate.
- Urgent care clinics can often provide a prescription renewal if you’re unable to reach your regular doctor. (This does not apply to controlled substances.)
Note: The controlled status of a drug and existing regulations may limit the amount of refills you can get. Schedule II controlled substances (such as opioids and ADHD medications) almost always require a new prescription from a doctor (sometimes monthly) and cannot be refilled by a pharmacist alone. Schedule III, IV, and V drugs usually do have refills, but with certain limitations — federally or at the state level. For instance, the Controlled Substances Act allows for up to five refills within 6 months from the date it was written, but some states may have stricter rules.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.