How to Transfer Your Prescription Between Pharmacies

Why Transfer Your Prescription?

Canadians switch pharmacies for many reasons: better prices, more convenient hours, a move to a new neighbourhood, or simply better service elsewhere. Whatever the reason, transferring your prescription is a free and straightforward process that your new pharmacy handles for you.

If you have found a cheaper option using TransparentMedz, transferring is the logical next step. Here is exactly how to do it.

Step-by-Step Transfer Process

Step 1: Choose Your New Pharmacy

Before initiating a transfer, confirm the new pharmacy carries your medication and check their pricing. Not all pharmacies stock every drug, especially less common or specialty medications.

Step 2: Visit or Call the New Pharmacy

You have two options:

In person: Bring your prescription bottle or a printout of your medication list
By phone: Call the new pharmacy and provide your medication details

Step 3: Provide Your Information

The new pharmacy will need:

Your full name and date of birth
The name and address of your current pharmacy
Your prescription number (found on the bottle label)
Your insurance information (if applicable)

Step 4: The Pharmacies Handle the Rest

Your new pharmacist contacts your old pharmacy directly. The transfer is completed pharmacist-to-pharmacist — you do not need to call your old pharmacy or your doctor.

Transfer Rules by Province

Provincial regulations govern prescription transfers. Here are the key rules:

Province	Transfer Limit	Notes
Ontario	One transfer per prescription	Refills must be available
British Columbia	One transfer per prescription	Both pharmacies must be licensed in BC
Alberta	One transfer per prescription	Pharmacist may refuse if safety concern exists
Quebec	One transfer per prescription	RAMQ coverage transfers automatically
Manitoba	One transfer per prescription	Narcotics and controlled substances have restrictions

Important: In most provinces, a prescription can only be transferred once. If you have already transferred a prescription from Pharmacy A to Pharmacy B, you generally cannot transfer it again to Pharmacy C. You would need a new prescription from your doctor.

What Cannot Be Transferred

Certain prescriptions have restrictions:

Narcotics and controlled substances (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines) — rules vary by province, but many require a new prescription
Expired prescriptions — no refills remaining means nothing to transfer
Prescriptions already fully dispensed — if all refills have been used, you need a renewal from your doctor

Common Questions

How long does a transfer take?

Most transfers are completed within 30 minutes to 2 hours. If the old pharmacy is closed, it may take until the next business day.

Will my insurance still work?

Yes. Your new pharmacy will process your insurance claims the same way your old pharmacy did. Just provide your insurance card.

Can I transfer just one medication?

Absolutely. You can keep some prescriptions at your old pharmacy and transfer others. There is no requirement to move everything at once.

Does my doctor need to be involved?

No. Prescription transfers are handled entirely between pharmacies. Your doctor is not contacted unless there is a clinical concern.

Tips for a Smooth Transfer

Transfer before you run out: Do not wait until your last pill. Start the process with at least a week's supply remaining

Bring your bottles: The prescription number on the label speeds up the process significantly

Confirm your refills: Check how many refills remain before transferring

Ask about promotions: Many pharmacies offer gift cards or discounts for new transfer customers

Update your records: If you use a health app or medication tracker, update the pharmacy information

Save Money With Every Transfer

Use TransparentMedz to compare total costs at pharmacies near you. If another pharmacy saves you even $5 per prescription on a monthly medication, that adds up to $60 per year — and transferring takes less than five minutes of your time.