Yes, you can transfer from one pharmacy to another easily. The process takes just a few steps and can often save you money. Your new pharmacy will handle most of the work by contacting your old pharmacy directly.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about transferring prescriptions. We’ll cover the simple steps, money-saving tips, and what to watch out for with different types of medications.
Why Transfer Your Prescriptions to a New Pharmacy?
Save Money on Your Medications
One of the biggest reasons people switch pharmacies is to save money. According to a Consumer Reports pricing survey, prescription drug prices can vary by as much as 10 times between pharmacies, even within the same city. This means you could be paying way too much for the same exact medication.
For example, an allergy medication like Singulair can cost anywhere from $15 to more than $140 in the same zip code. That’s a huge difference for the same drug!
Better Service and Convenience
Maybe your current pharmacy has long wait times or unhelpful staff. You deserve good service when it comes to your health. Some other reasons to switch include:
- Moving to a new area
- Finding a pharmacy closer to work or home
- Getting better customer service
- Access to services like free delivery
- Better hours that fit your schedule
Insurance Changes
When your insurance plan changes, you might need to use a different pharmacy. Some insurance plans have “preferred” pharmacies that offer lower copays.
How to Transfer Prescriptions in 3 Easy Steps
Step 1: Choose Your New Pharmacy
Before you start the transfer, pick where you want to go. Think about:
- Location – Is it easy to get to?
- Hours – Do they fit your schedule?
- Services – Do they offer delivery or other helpful services?
- Insurance – Does your insurance cover this pharmacy?
- Price – Compare costs for your medications
You can use apps like GoodRx or SingleCare to compare prices at different pharmacies in your area. This helps you find the best deal.
Step 2: Contact Your New Pharmacy
Once you’ve picked your new pharmacy, contact them to start the transfer. You can:
- Call them on the phone
- Visit in person
- Use their website (if they offer online transfers)
- Use their mobile app
Many big chain pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens have easy online transfer options. You just enter your info and they handle the rest.
Step 3: Provide the Required Information
Your new pharmacy will need some basic information from you:
Personal Information:
- Your full name and date of birth
- Home address and phone number
- Insurance information (if you have it)
- Any known allergies
Prescription Information:
- Names of all medications you want to transfer
- Dosage amounts
- Prescription numbers (found on your pill bottles)
- When you need your next refill
Old Pharmacy Information:
- Name and location of your current pharmacy
- Phone number and address
- Any special instructions
Once you give them this info, your new pharmacy will contact your old pharmacy directly. They’ll handle the transfer process for you.
What Happens During the Transfer Process?
The New Pharmacy Does the Work
Your new pharmacy will call your old pharmacy and request your prescription information. The two pharmacists will talk directly to each other to make sure everything is correct.
Transfer Time
Most transfers happen pretty quickly, but it’s smart to allow 1-3 business days for everything to be completed. Don’t wait until you’re completely out of medication to start the transfer.
Important Records Transfer
When your prescription moves to the new pharmacy, they’ll also get important information like:
- Your drug allergies
- Health conditions
- Insurance details
- Refill history
It’s still a good idea to double-check this information with your new pharmacist to make sure nothing was missed.
Special Rules for Different Types of Medications
Regular Medications
Most regular medications can be transferred easily with no special rules. This includes common drugs for things like:
- Blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Cholesterol
- Antibiotics
Controlled Substances – What You Need to Know
Some medications have stricter rules because they’re considered “controlled substances.” These are drugs that could be misused or cause addiction.
Schedule III, IV, and V Medications
Schedule III, IV, and V medications are classified as controlled substances by the DEA. According to federal regulations, you are only allowed one transfer with these types of medications, regardless of how many refills you have left.
Examples include:
- Tylenol with Codeine
- Xanax
- Robitussin AC (cough medicine with codeine)
Once you transfer these medications, you can’t transfer them again. If you need to move them again, you’ll need a new prescription from your doctor.
Schedule II Medications
Schedule II controlled substances are not able to be transferred at all due to the risk of substance abuse and dependency they pose. These medications also cannot be refilled, so your doctor will have to write you a new prescription whenever you run out.
Examples include:
- Adderall
- Ritalin
- OxyContin
For these medications, you’ll need to get a new prescription from your doctor and have it sent to your new pharmacy.
New Rules for Electronic Prescriptions
As of August 28, 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) published new regulations that allow patients to request their electronic prescription be transferred to another pharmacy without having to go back to their practitioner to initiate the request.
This is a big change! Prior to this change, patients would have to go through their practitioner to cancel their prescription and have it re-issued to a different pharmacy.
The new rules allow for a one-time transfer of electronic controlled substance prescriptions, but only if:
- The patient asks for it
- It’s allowed by state law
- The prescription stays in electronic form
- Two licensed pharmacists handle the transfer
Common Transfer Problems and Solutions
Out of Refills
If your prescription is out of refills, your new pharmacy might be able to contact your doctor to get a new prescription. But sometimes you’ll need to call your doctor yourself.
Your doctor might need you to:
- Schedule a follow-up appointment
- Get blood work done
- Have a check-up before giving you more refills
Medication Not in Stock
Sometimes your new pharmacy might not have your medication in stock. Don’t worry – they can usually order it and have it ready within a day or two.
Insurance Issues
If you have insurance problems, your new pharmacist can help you figure out what’s covered and what’s not. They might also know about discount programs that can help you save money.
How to Save Money When Transferring
Compare Prices Before You Transfer
Don’t just pick the closest pharmacy. Prices can vary a lot! Use these tools to compare:
- GoodRx – Shows prices at different pharmacies in your area
- SingleCare – Offers discount coupons for medications
- WellRx – Provides savings cards accepted at many pharmacies
Ask About Discount Programs
Many pharmacies offer their own discount programs. For example:
- CVS – 85% of CVS prescriptions are under $10 per month
- Walmart – Offers $4 generic prescriptions for many common medications
- Costco – Often has competitive prices, even for non-members
Generic vs. Brand Name
Ask your new pharmacist if there’s a generic version of your medication. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), generic drugs have the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs but typically cost 80-85% less than their brand-name counterparts.
Buy in Bulk
If you take a medication long-term, ask about getting a 90-day supply instead of 30 days. This often costs less per dose and means fewer trips to the pharmacy.
Tips for a Smooth Transfer
Don’t Wait Until You’re Out of Medicine
Start the transfer process when you still have at least a week’s worth of medication left. This gives you time to deal with any problems that might come up.
Keep Your Old Pharmacy Info Handy
Write down your old pharmacy’s name, address, and phone number. You’ll need this information for the transfer.
Double-Check Everything
When you pick up your first prescription from your new pharmacy, make sure:
- The medication name is correct
- The dosage is right
- The refill count matches what you expected
- Your insurance information is correct
Update Your Doctor
Let your doctor know you’ve switched pharmacies. This way, they’ll send new prescriptions to the right place.
Moving Between Pharmacies in the Same Chain
If you’re moving from one CVS to another CVS (or one Walgreens to another Walgreens), the process is even easier.
You can usually just:
- Go to the new location
- Give them your name and date of birth
- They’ll find your prescriptions in their system
- Fill your prescription if you have refills available
This works because pharmacies in the same chain share the same computer system.
What About Mail-Order Pharmacies?
Many insurance plans offer mail-order pharmacy services. These can be great for medications you take regularly because:
- They often cost less
- You can get 90-day supplies
- Medications are delivered to your home
- You don’t have to remember to pick them up
If you want to transfer to a mail-order pharmacy, contact your insurance company. They can help you set it up.
Working with Your New Pharmacist
Build a Relationship
Your pharmacist is an important part of your healthcare team. They can:
- Answer questions about your medications
- Check for drug interactions
- Help you understand side effects
- Suggest ways to save money
Share Important Information
Tell your new pharmacist about:
- All medications you take (including over-the-counter drugs)
- Any supplements or vitamins
- Allergies or bad reactions you’ve had
- Other health conditions
Ask Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Your pharmacist is there to help you stay healthy and safe.
State-by-State Differences
Every U.S. state has slightly different rules when it comes to transferring prescriptions — particularly controlled substance prescriptions. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) provides oversight for pharmacy regulations across all 50 states, but each state can have its own specific requirements.
Your pharmacist will know the specific rules for your state and can guide you through the process.
What to Do If You’re Traveling
If you’re traveling and need to fill a prescription away from home, you have a few options:
For Regular Medications
- Get a new prescription from your doctor to take with you
- Use a chain pharmacy that’s in both your home area and where you’re traveling
- Ask your home pharmacy about temporary transfers
For Controlled Substances
The rules are stricter for controlled substances when traveling. It’s best to:
- Plan ahead and get your prescription filled before you travel
- Bring enough medication for your entire trip
- Contact your doctor if you need help with travel planning
When You Can’t Transfer
Sometimes you might not be able to transfer your prescription. This can happen when:
- You’ve already used your one allowed transfer for controlled substances
- The prescription has expired
- You’re out of refills and need to see your doctor
- The medication isn’t available at the new pharmacy
- There are insurance restrictions
If this happens, your pharmacist can help you figure out the next steps.
VillageRx: Your Partner in Prescription Transfers
At VillageRx, we make prescription transfers easy and stress-free. Our experienced pharmacists in Glen Ellyn understand that switching pharmacies can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help every step of the way.
We offer:
- Free prescription transfers from any pharmacy
- Personalized service from our caring team
- Competitive pricing on all medications
- Free delivery to your home
- Medication therapy management to help you get the most from your medicines
If you’re thinking about switching to a more personal pharmacy experience, contact us or visit our transfer prescription page to get started.
Final Thoughts
Transferring prescriptions from one pharmacy to another is easier than most people think. The key is to plan ahead, gather your information, and let your new pharmacy handle the details.
Remember that switching pharmacies can save you money and get you better service. Don’t stick with a pharmacy that doesn’t meet your needs just because it’s what you’ve always used.
Take the time to compare prices, read reviews, and find a pharmacy that treats you well. Your health is worth it, and the transfer process is simpler than you might expect.
Ready to make the switch? Start by choosing your new pharmacy and gathering your prescription information. Your new pharmacy team will take care of the rest, making sure you get the medications you need without any hassle.