People who now receive oral diabetes drugs from the Provincial Pharmacy will be able to get their medications at their local retail pharmacy beginning May 1, 2000.
Health and Social Services Minister Mildred Dover advised that two Provincial Pharmacy programs are being reorganized to make it easier for clients to get their prescriptions. Oral Diabetes drugs may be obtained from local pharmacies in May, and drugs for social assistance clients later in June. "We hope this change will make it easier for people to get their medications and to access information about their medications from their local pharmacist. There will be no additional cost to clients," said the minister.
The Provincial Pharmacy will continue to fill all oral diabetes prescriptions until April 30. Beginning May 1, these prescriptions must be obtained directly from local pharmacies.
It is the client's responsibility to have their prescription transferred from the Provincial Pharmacy to the pharmacy of their choice. Prescriptions may be transferred anytime after April 10. There are two ways to do this.
Clients may visit their local pharmacy and ask to have their prescription transferred by presenting their PEI Health Card. The pharmacist will then contact the Provincial Pharmacy and have the prescription transferred.
The other way to have a prescription transferred is to call or visit the Provincial Pharmacy and ask pharmacy staff to transfer the prescription. The Provincial Pharmacy is located in the basement of the Sullivan Building, 20 Fitzroy Street, Charlottetown. It is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Clients may call toll free at 1 800 237 6470 or 1 800 237 6494.
Clients are advised when they get their first prescription at their local pharmacy, to check it over with the pharmacist and discuss how to take the medication properly.
For more information, contact the Provincial Pharmacy toll free at 1 877 577 3737.