What should you do if you run out of prescription medication?

When you have taken the last pill in your pack and don't have a new prescription yet, the most important thing is not to panic. In Alberta, there are several legal ways to quickly resume your treatment. Below is a step-by-step guide that takes into account local Health Canada regulations, pharmacists' powers, and online medicine options.

1. Check if you have any refills left

1. Check the label on the bottle or your mobile app (Shoppers My Pharmacy, Calgary Co-op Rx, etc.).
2. If you see Refills ×, simply order a refill:

• by phone or SMS service of the pharmacy

• via the website/app (e.g., “Refill C” in Calgary Co-op)

• by clicking Refill in your Alberta Blue Cross profile

The pharmacy will let you know when your order is ready or deliver it to your home within the city for free.

2. Out of refills and pills?

2.1. Call your family doctor

• Leave a message asking for a prescription refill.
• Most clinics will send an e-prescription without a visit if you had a check-up less than a year ago.

2.2. Use walk-in or virtual care

*Paid platforms are often covered by employer or student insurance.

The doctor will issue an e-prescription, which will be sent directly to the selected pharmacy.

2.3. Ask a prescribing pharmacist

A pharmacist can renew stable chronic medications (Schedule 1) for up to 90 days if:

• The medication is not a controlled substance (opioids, stimulants)

• Interruption poses a health risk (insulin, beta blockers, anticonvulsants)

You must have the label with the previous prescription number or a profile at that pharmacy. The pharmacist will mark it as Emergency Fill and notify the doctor within 24 hours.

3. Emergency dispensing if the doctor cannot be reached

According to Alberta College of Pharmacy rules, a pharmacist may dispense up to a 30-day supply without a prescription once every 12 months if:

• The medication is essential (insulin, heart medication)
• The patient cannot immediately contact their doctor

4. If the prescription has run out early (travel, loss, change in dosage)

1. Tell the pharmacist the reason for the early request.
2. Use the Alberta Blue Cross codes:

• MN (change in dosage)

• MR (lost/stolen)

• UF (emergency supply)

3. When traveling abroad, the pharmacy may dispense up to a 100-day supply (ticket confirmation required).

5. Prescriptions for controlled substances

• Opioids, stimulants, and benzodiazepines cannot be renewed without a doctor's permission.
• Online platforms do not prescribe them.
• In urgent cases, contact Urgent Care: they can issue a short (3–5 days) transitional prescription.

6. Convenient services so you never run out

7. Documents to have

8. Algorithm cheat sheet

1. Check refills → order online/by phone.
2. No refills → family doctor / walk-in / virtual care / prescribing pharmacist.
3. Emergency Fill (up to 30 days) for essential medications.
4. Controlled substances → Urgent Care.
5. Set up auto-refill and blister packaging.

Conclusion

There are several legal ways to refill prescriptions in Calgary, ranging from automatic refill services and pharmacists' rights to extend prescriptions up to 90 days to 24/7 video consultations with a doctor. Act in advance, keep your label and AHCIP card handy, and in case of an emergency, contact Emergency Fill so that your treatment is not interrupted.