How to transfer your prescription to another pharmacy: Step by step

In this article:

• Steps for transferring your prescription to another pharmacy
• Things to consider when transferring prescriptions
• Transferring controlled substances and other medications with limitations
• Can you transfer your prescription to another state?

In this article

• Steps for transferring your prescription to another pharmacy
• Things to consider when transferring prescriptions
• Transferring controlled substances and other medications with limitations
• Can you transfer your prescription to another state?

Moving to a new neighborhood, switching insurance, or even just trying to snag better prices? You might be asking: How do you actually get your meds from one pharmacy to another? Many people think transferring prescriptions is a hassle, but it’s usually easier than you’d expect. Most of the time, you can get it done with a quick phone call or an online request.

Steps for transferring your prescription to another pharmacy

Switching your prescriptions to a different retail pharmacy is often straightforward. The prescription transfer process can involve the following steps: 

1. Compare prices and pick your new pharmacy

Start by checking prices on SingleCare to see where you can get the best deal. You might be surprised, as pharmacies can charge very different prices for the exact same medication. You can then check if the pharmacy is in-network with your health insurance plan, if you’re using one.

Think about convenience: Is the new pharmacy close to home, or on the way to work? Once you’ve found the right pharmacy, jot down the name, address, and phone number since you’ll need that info for the transfer.

2. Gather your prescription information

Before you reach out to the new pharmacy, it helps to have all your details ready to go. Here’s the information you’ll need on hand when contacting the new pharmacy:

• Prescription numbers (usually found on your bottle)
• Medication names and doses
• Current pharmacy’s phone number and address
• Your date of birth and phone number
• Payment or insurance information

Make sure to double-check the name and dose of the medication you want to transfer. You’ll also want to have your current prescription bottle or receipt for the prescription number. Having everything organized can help avoid delays.

Remember to provide any savings coupons if you don’t have insurance. Ideally, you would provide this information before you pick up your medication so there are no surprise costs. 

3. Contact your new pharmacy

Once you’ve picked your new pharmacy and gathered your info, reach out to get the transfer started. If it’s a big chain, you may be able to use their website or app to submit a transfer request. Otherwise, you can often call them or stop by in person. 

Just tell the pharmacist or pharmacy technician that you’d like to move your prescription from your old pharmacy. If you did the last step, you should already have your previous pharmacy’s contact information and basic personal details ready to give. 

4. Let the new pharmacy take it from there

Once you’ve made the request, you don’t have to worry about much. The new pharmacy will contact your old one to transfer the prescription details, including any remaining refills. If they have any questions, they might contact you, your old pharmacy, or, in some cases, your healthcare provider’s office.

5. Wait for the transfer to be completed

Transfers can take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on how busy the pharmacies are. Same-day transfers happen pretty often. If you call early and both pharmacies are on the ball, you might even grab your medications that afternoon.

If you haven’t heard back in a day or two, give the new pharmacy a call to check on it. You should definitely reach out if you’re running low on your prescription drugs. That way, you won’t run out and have to miss any prescribed doses.

Things to consider when transferring prescriptions

Sometimes, things don’t always go according to plan. Therefore, you’ll want to consider some factors that can cause transfers to take longer than expected. Here’s what can get in the way:

• Medications that are out of stock: If the pharmacy doesn’t have your medication on hand, they’ll need to order it from their supplier, which can add a few days to the transfer process.
• Expired prescriptions: Sometimes, prescriptions expire before the transfer is complete, in which case your prescriber will have to write and send a new prescription to the pharmacy.
• Busy pharmacies: If a pharmacy is experiencing a high volume of customers or transfers, it can take longer for them to process your request. 
• Insurance hiccups: Issues with insurance coverage, such as needing prior authorization or updating your information, can stall the transfer since the pharmacy may need to contact your provider before they can fill your prescription.

Keep in mind, not all prescription drugs can be transferred from one pharmacy to another. Some medications might not be able to be transferred or have other transfer limitations. 

Transferring controlled substances and other medications with limitations

Most medications can move easily between pharmacies. Everyday medications like heart pills, cholesterol drugs, and antidepressants are usually the easiest to transfer. However, for people who take controlled substances like opioid pain relievers or certain sleep medications, there are different restrictions to be aware of.

Controlled substances that are classified as Schedule III, IV, or V can only be transferred once, even if you have several refills left. Once transferred, you won’t be able to transfer them again unless a healthcare provider gives a new prescription. Some examples of these medications include the following:

• Tylenol with codeine (acetaminophen/codeine)
• Xanax (alprazolam)
• Ativan (lorazepam) 
• Ambien (zolpidem)
• Lyrica (pregabalin)

Schedule II controlled substances, on the other hand, typically can’t be transferred at all. These include:

• OxyContin (oxycodone)
• Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine)
• Ritalin (methylphenidate)
• Vicodin (hydrocodone/acetaminophen)
• Percocet (oxycodone/acetaminophen)

There’s one exception: Electronic prescriptions of Schedule II substances can be transferred for new fills only. Otherwise, you’ll need a new prescription if it’s a written one.

Can you transfer your prescription to another state?

Yes, you can move prescriptions to a different pharmacy in another state. The process is pretty much the same as doing it locally. Most pharmacies handle out-of-state transfers without hassle as long as the prescription is valid. 

Still, some medications may have tighter rules when you cross state lines. Check with the new pharmacy about state laws regarding any controlled substances you take. While the new pharmacy should be able to manage any extra requirements, it’s best to call ahead to make sure they can fill your specific medication and avoid last-minute surprises.

Bottom line

It’s often easier to switch pharmacies than many people think, and it can sometimes save you money. As long as you’ve got your information ready, most transfers can take a quick call or a few clicks online. Controlled substance prescriptions are a different story, but your pharmacist can walk you through it. If you’re not sure where to start, just ask. They’re used to these types of transfers and are happy to help.