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Ontario pharmacists now allowed to prescribe common ailments

People with symptoms of 13 common ailments can skip the doctor’s office and head straight to the pharmacist to get a prescription.
Pharmacists across Ontario now have the power to prescribe treatments for conditions including pink eye, hemorrhoids, and urinary tract infections.
The head of the Ontario Pharmacists Association said people should expect a bit of a ramp-up period at participating pharmacies – so it’s a good idea to call ahead or to check their website.
READ MORE: Pharmacists will soon be allowed to prescribe 13 common ailments
“Expanding the ability of pharmacists to provide care is one more way we’re putting people at the centre of our health care system,” said Syliva Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health on Dec. 28
Pharmacists will be able to provide prescriptions for:
- hay fever (allergic rhinitis);
- oral thrush (candidal stomatitis);
- pink eye (conjunctivitis; bacterial, allergic and viral);
- dermatitis (atopic, eczema, allergic and contact);
- menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea);
- acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD));
- hemorrhoids;
- cold sores (herpes labialis);
- impetigo;
- insect bites and hives;
- tick bites (post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent Lyme disease);
- sprains and strains (musculoskeletal); and
- urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- A common ailment is a health condition that can be self-diagnosed and managed with
- minimal treatment.
A common ailment is a health condition that can be self-diagnosed and managed with minimal treatment.
This service makes it more convenient to access health care by removing a doctor’s visit and it will come at no extra costs to Ontarians, said the Ontario government in an announcement.
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