Prescription Medicine

[Sia4]

Hi there,

I'm planning on visiting my boyfriend, who lives in Ontario, for 6 months in the next year or so. In preparing for this, I would like to clarify some information about prescription medicine.

I am prescribed Microgynon 30. Am I correct in assuming I'm allowed to bring a 90 day supply of prescription medicine?

What is the procedure for me to get a prescription of this medicine for the remainder duration of the visit? My doctor informed me that you need to get a quick check up before getting a prescription for this. How would I go about getting Microgynon 30 when I visit my boyfriend?

Thank you

 

[Sia4]

If anyone has the same issue, I contacted Health Canada + the Ministry of Health of Ontario.

Health Canada advised having it shipped every 3 months since you're allowed to take a maximum 90 day supply.

Getting it shipped:

If you have prescription drugs mailed or couriered to you, you must provide documentation to show they are for a visitor to Canada. If the package does not have the following information, it could be refused entry into Canada:

• A copy of your foreign passport, visitor visa, student visa or work visa.
• Markings on the outside of the shipping package stating that it contains drugs for a visitor in Canada.

For other options of getting your prescription medicine you have to contact the ministry of health for the province you're visiting (Health Canada advised me to contact them). I contacted the Ontario ministry of health:

Pharmacies in Ontario will not fill out a prescription issued by an out of country or out of province doctor.

You would be required to obtain a prescription issue by an Ontario doctor and to do so, you would need to visit a doctor’s office or walk-in clinic in Ontario.

Diagnoses and treatments are clinical decisions determined by trained medical professionals. Health care providers are responsible for the direct delivery of health care for their patients, determining the analysis, necessity, methods and urgency of their patients' need for health services.


As such, you may wish to speak with an Ontario doctor to discuss whether or not another prescription can be issued for the same medicine that was prescribed by your own doctor in the UK.



You will have to pay for the doctors visits/prescriptions, I think the visits are around $100 CAD but don't take my word for it!
You'll need to check if the medicine is classed as a prescription drug and is allowed there, I would contact Health Canada to check this.

I hope this helps anyone else with the same issue!

Regards

 

[canuck78]

Since it is just birth control I would try to bring in a 6 month supply. I would make sure you have have the label describing what it is and who the prescribing doctor is. It will be a huge ordeal to get a 3 month prescription while in Canada.

 

[Sia4]

I would but Health Canada said you can only take a max supply of 90 days.
Thanks for the reply though.

 

[scylla]

I would but Health Canada said you can only take a max supply of 90 days.
Thanks for the reply though.

It's possible they might confiscate your medication. You're only allowed to bring in a 90 day supply. Impossible for us to say in advance.

 

[canuck78]

Up to you but be prepared to pay for a full medical exam and pay cash for your Rx. Don't think we have the exact brand as well. If you are only using for contraception purposes you can go to other methods once your Rx runs out.

 

[Sia4]

It's possible they might confiscate your medication. You're only allowed to bring in a 90 day supply. Impossible for us to say in advance.

Yeh, I'm going off of what Health Canada advised me to do so I'll only be taking a 90 day supply of it. Thank you though.

Up to you but be prepared to pay for a full medical exam and pay cash for your Rx. Don't think we have the exact brand as well. If you are only using for contraception purposes you can go to other methods once your Rx runs out.

I'm not aware of having to get a full medical exam unless you mean paying for the doctors visit? Either way, I'm prepared to pay for it.
The brand doesn't bother me as long as its the same medicine, thanks for the heads up if Canada doesn't have the exact same one.
I don't use it solely for contraception, so not really up for looking for other methods, but thank you for the suggestion.

 

[canuck78]

Many doctors will not be comfortable prescribing medication without a full health history. I went through this scenario with a friend who has been out of the country for over a year and no longer had Ontario health coverage.

 

[DollyM]

Depending on where in Ontario you are going there are free clinics available for birth control. Simply google free clinics in the area you're planning to visit for what's available.

 

[canuck78]

You have to be a citizen and have a health care because they are often run by public health. There are some services geared to younger people that may be free like (under either 21 or 25).

 

[Sia4]

Many doctors will not be comfortable prescribing medication without a full health history. I went through this scenario with a friend who has been out of the country for over a year and no longer had Ontario health coverage.

I'll get my medical records before I visit to avoid this, thank you.

Depending on where in Ontario you are going there are free clinics available for birth control. Simply google free clinics in the area you're planning to visit for what's available.

You have to be a citizen and have a health care because they are often run by public health. There are some services geared to younger people that may be free like (under either 21 or 25).

Thanks for the suggestion but I think I'll stick with visiting a doctor to get a prescription to avoid any problems

 

[canuck78]

I wouldn't bring your medical records because it will look suspicious to customs if they look through your luggage. Many doctors prefer to do their own exams because they are liable if something goes wrong. Some doctors may be comfortable giving out an Rx but that's not my experience. You can always call around and ask how much they would charge and what exams they require to renew a birth control Rx. 3 months of pills will be (3 x $20-30 + dispensing fee). Cheaper if you are able to get through public health sexual health clinic if available or planned parenthood type organization.

 

[DollyM]

You have to be a citizen and have a health care because they are often run by public health. There are some services geared to younger people that may be free like (under either 21 or 25).

No you don't. There are loads of free clinics for people who don't have health care. Besides, OHIP is not only for citizens. What do you think permanent residents and lawful temporary residents get?

 

[DollyM]

I'll get my medical records before I visit to avoid this, thank you.

Thanks for the suggestion but I think I'll stick with visiting a doctor to get a prescription to avoid any problems

Um... Who do you think prescribes the medications? Of course you would see a doctor to get the prescription. And if not a doctor, then a nurse practitioner who specialises in sexual health.

 

[canuck78]

No you don't. There are loads of free clinics for people who don't have health care. Besides, OHIP is not only for citizens. What do you think permanent residents and lawful temporary residents get?

Yes made a generalization knowing she was a visitor. My apologies.