UTI? Allergies? Skin Rash?

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is a minor illness? 

  Minor illnesses are described as health conditions that can be managed with minimal treatment and/or self-care strategies. Additional criteria include:

  • Usually a short-term condition
  • Lab results aren’t usually required
  • Low risk of treatment masking an underlying condition
  • No medication or medical history red flags that could suggest a more serious condition
  • Only minimal or short-term follow-up is required
• How can my pharmacist help with a minor illness?

  Pharmacists can assess and prescribe a prescription level medication when necessary rather than recommending a milder over-the-counter treatment for specific, less serious conditions, as outlined by the Manitoba College of Pharmacists.

• Which specific minor illnesses can the Rexall Pharmacist assess and prescribe medications for?

  Minor, or common, illnesses refer to conditions that can initially be managed with non-prescription therapy, such as allergies or skin irritations. All pharmacists can assess minor illnesses symptoms and recommend self-care or over-the-counter treatments. Pharmacists in Manitoba can now also prescribe medications for certain minor illnesses, as identified below:

  • UTI
  • Allergies
  • Skin Rashes & Hives
  • Acne
  • Oral Thrush
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Nasal Allergies
  • Canker Sores
  • Smoking Cessation
  • Athelete's Foot
  • Dandruff
• Do I need an appointment to see my Rexall Pharmacist?

  No, you don’t need to make an appointment to speak with your Rexall pharmacist. 

  If our store is open, you can consult with the pharmacist. We’re accessible and ready to see you. 

  To find your nearest Rexall store hours, click here. 

• Will a minor illness assessment always result in a prescription?

  After the pharmacist assesses a patient they, in conjunction with the patient, determine the appropriate course of action. This could be a prescription or a recommendation for an over-the-counter medication. If a pharmacist assesses your condition but feels it is serious or requires follow-up, he or she will refer you to a doctor for additional assessment.

• Will my doctor be informed?

  Yes. Pharmacists are required to inform your primary physician when they write a prescription for you. 

• What happens if my minor illness turns out to be more serious?

  If your illness becomes more serious or you are not seeing improvements with the medication prescribed by your pharmacist, you will be referred to your doctor for a diagnosis. Your pharmacist is trained to recognize when an illness requires additional assessment and care beyond their scope.

• How can I keep track of my prescriptions?

  Be Well® makes it easier than ever to stay connected to your health and wellness. With simple tools that help you manage your prescriptions at Rexall and personalized ways to collect and earn points, taking care of your well-being has never been this rewarding. Click here to find out more.