In most cases, ask the pharmacy you want to move to. It can tell you what it needs and contact your old pharmacy. In the US, some controlled medicines have extra limits. In the UK, you usually choose your pharmacy when you order a repeat prescription.

Rules differ by country and by US state, so treat this as a starting point and ask your pharmacist. Do it before you run out, because a transfer can take time.

What to have ready

  • The name and phone number of your current pharmacy
  • The prescription number and medication name, from the label on your bottle or box
  • Your date of birth and insurance details, if they apply
  • A list of everything you take, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements

In the US

Ask the new pharmacy to arrange the transfer. For controlled medicines, federal rules are stricter. Under 21 CFR 1306.25:

  • A prescription for a controlled substance in Schedule III, IV or V can be transferred between pharmacies for refills on a one-time basis only.
  • Pharmacies that share a real-time online database may transfer up to the maximum refills allowed.
  • The transfer has to be communicated directly between two licensed pharmacists.

State law and your pharmacy's policy can add more. Ask your pharmacist what applies. If a transfer is not possible, your prescriber can usually send a new prescription.

In the UK

The NHS says you can choose a high-street pharmacy to collect your prescription from when you order online through the NHS App or website. Online-only pharmacies will ask for your name, age and GP surgery's address so they can get your prescription. To change where your repeats go, use those services or ask your GP surgery.

Allow enough time. The NHS says to request a repeat up to 5 working days before you need your medicine.

Elsewhere

Ask your pharmacist or doctor. Some countries use electronic prescriptions you can take to a pharmacy of your choice, and others use a paper prescription.

After you move

  • Tell the new pharmacist about everything you take. The National Institute on Aging suggests using one pharmacy where you can, so it can check whether a new medicine might cause a problem. If you use more than one, share your list at each.
  • Check the new label. A new pharmacy may stock a version that looks different. Ask if your tablets look different from what you expect.
  • Update your refill dates. See how to avoid running out.

Frequently asked questions

Can I transfer a prescription myself?

Usually the pharmacies arrange it for you. For US controlled medicines, the transfer must be made directly between two licensed pharmacists.

Can a controlled medicine be transferred?

In the US, those in Schedule III, IV or V can generally be transferred once for refills, with an exception for pharmacies sharing a real-time database. Ask your pharmacist about your medicine.

How long does it take?

It varies, so do it a few days before you run out and ask the new pharmacy when it will be ready.

Sources

21 CFR 1306.25, eCFR. How to order a repeat prescription, NHS. Taking medicines safely as you age, National Institute on Aging.

Cadence is a free medication reminder app for iPhone and Apple Watch. It is not medical software and does not give medical advice. Cadence Pro is a one-time purchase, with no subscription.