Prescription Refills

What is prescription medication?

Prescription medication refers to pharmaceutical drugs that require a doctor’s written approval. Anyone can purchase over-the-counter medications at the grocery or drug store. 

Prescription medications require a written recommendation from your primary care physician and the approval of a licensed pharmacist.

Why would I need a prescription refill?

If you develop a cold or bacterial infection, you might need to take prescription medication for a few days or weeks. Once you start feeling better and finish all of your medicine, you don’t have to worry about getting a refill.

Medications used to treat chronic health problems like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or depression are different. 

Because these are long-term ailments, it’s necessary for you to take prescription medication on an ongoing basis. Doing so can minimize uncomfortable symptoms and improve your health and overall quality of life.

Every time you receive a new prescription, the label lists how many refills are available. Once you start running low on a specific medication, it’s important to contact Dr. Elango to request a prescription refill.

What information do I need to request a prescription refill?

If you have a refillable prescription, you can access all of the information needed by reading the label on your medication bottle. The label includes several important pieces of information, including:

Pharmacy phone number

If possible, try and fill all of your prescriptions with the same pharmacy. This saves you time by streamlining the process. It also allows your pharmacist to review all of the medications you’re taking. This ensures your safety and can significantly lower your risk of an adverse reaction.

Prescription number

The prescription number or “Rx#” is the number used to identify the specific medication you’re taking. When you call your pharmacist to refill your prescription, make sure to have your prescription number on hand. This helps to speed up the refill process.

Refills remaining

Most prescription labels list the number of refills remaining followed by a cut off date. Some medications require additional authorization for future refills. If you need refills and the cut off date has come and gone, you may need to schedule a check-up with Dr. Elango before receiving another refill.

What if I have questions about my prescription refill?

If you have questions about your prescription medication, its potential side-effects, or the number of refills left, talk with your pharmacist or Dr. Elango. 

You should also let Dr. Elango know if you start taking a new vitamin, nutritional supplement, or over-the-counter medication, as they can interfere with the effects of your prescription.

Don’t wait to request a prescription refill. Schedule an appointment at the private practice of Peggy Elango, DO today. Call the office and speak with a friendly staff member, or book a consultation online today.