Ontario to allow pharmacies to prescribe medication for 13 minor illnesses next week

Pharmacies across Ontario will soon be allowed to prescribe medication for several minor illnesses, the Ontario government said Wednesday.

The province announced starting on Jan. 1, 2023, pharmacists will be able to prescribe medication for 13 different ailments without the need to visit a doctor’s office.

The move will ease the burden on doctors and allow them to focus their attention on more complicated needs, according to the province.

In a news release about the announcement, Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones said the change “increases your access to the care you need closer to home.”

“Expanding the ability of pharmacists to provide care is one more way we’re putting people at the centre of our health care system, making it easier, faster and more convenient to access health care in their community,” she added.

The list of illnesses pharmacists will be allowed to prescribe medication for starting on Jan. 1 are:

1. hay fever (allergic rhinitis);

2. oral thrush (candidal stomatitis);

3. pink eye (conjunctivitis; bacterial, allergic and viral);

4. dermatitis (atopic, eczema, allergic and contact);

5. menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea);

6. acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD);

7. hemorrhoids;

8. cold sores (herpes labialis);

9. impetigo;

10. insect bites and hives;

11. tick bites (post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent Lyme disease);

12. sprains and strains (musculoskeletal); and

13. urinary tract infections (UTIs).

The change has been done in partnership with the Ontario College of Pharmacists, according to the announcement.

The province said the move will not cost Ontarians extra and they can still use their health cards when seeking a prescription for the illnesses eligible under the new move.