Filling a prescription is usually a straightforward process. But you can always ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
You can usually request a prescription drug refill by phone, in person, online, or through a pharmacy app.
- By phone: Call the pharmacy at the number shown on the prescription label. Most large pharmacies have automated systems to guide you through the refill process, while smaller ones may have you speak directly with pharmacy staff.
- In person: Go to the pharmacy where you originally filled your prescription and ask for a refill. If the medication is in stock, you can usually wait for it, or you can come back later to pick it up.
- Online or via an app: Many pharmacies — such as Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS — let you refill prescriptions through their websites or mobile apps. You’ll need to log in, select the medication, and follow the prompts.
- By mail: For medication you take regularly, you can ask your doctor if mail-order refills are an option. You’ll also need to check with your insurer. This is helpful for long-term prescriptions, and you can often get a 3-month supply of the drug (sometimes at a discounted rate). However, be sure to plan ahead, as delivery can take up to 2 weeks.
Some research suggests that pharmacies providing refill reminders and financial incentives to refill medications can improve overall medication adherence and outcomes for patients.
When you originally had the prescription filled, your doctor should have either given you a written prescription or sent it electronically to your chosen pharmacy.
All the information you need to get a refill should be on the label of the original prescription bottle or package. This includes:
- the pharmacy’s name, address, and phone number
- the prescription (Rx) number
- the name of the doctor who prescribed the medication
- the number of refills you have left
- when the prescription was last filled and when it expires
If you’ve lost the original bottle or drug package, you can typically call the pharmacy that filled the prescription and ask to speak with a pharmacist. They can locate the prescription information using your name and date of birth and assist you from there.
Your refill checklist
Consider this checklist when requesting a refill. You might want to take a screenshot of this or copy it into your notes app to help you remember.
- Check your remaining refills 5 to 7 days before you run out of medication.
- If you have no refills remaining, contact your doctor for a new prescription.
- Place your request with the pharmacy, and allow 24 to 48 hours for processing.
- Check that the medication is ready before you leave the house — you may receive a text alert when it is ready to collect.
- Collect the medication and verify that it’s correct.
You can often refill a prescription without seeing a doctor in person, but it depends on several factors. If you still have refills remaining, you don’t need to involve them in the refill process.
If you’re out of refills or your refills have expired, you’ll need to contact your doctor. Often, the pharmacy can call them to request a refill authorization for you. But in some cases, such as if the medication is a controlled substance, your doctor may want to see you before authorizing the refill.
There are certain situations where you may not need a traditional doctor’s appointment to get a refill of a medication that has no refills remaining:
- In some states, pharmacists are allowed to provide a one-time emergency refill of certain maintenance medications if you’ve run out and can’t reach your doctor. This is especially true of critical drugs such as insulin and heart medication. However, the ability to get an emergency or one-time refill depends on the drug and local regulations.
- Many telemedicine companies enable you to meet with a healthcare professional online, who can then authorize a refill if appropriate.
- Urgent care clinics can often provide a prescription renewal if you’re unable to reach your regular doctor. (This does not apply to controlled substances.)
Important
The controlled status of a drug and existing regulations may limit the number of refills you can get.
Schedule II controlled substances (such as opioids and ADHD medications) almost always require a new prescription from a doctor (sometimes monthly) and cannot be refilled by a pharmacist alone.
Schedule III, IV, and V drugs usually do have refills, but with certain limitations — federally or at the state level. For instance, the Controlled Substances Act allows up to five refills within 6 months of the date it was written, but some states may have stricter rules.
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Most insurance plans require you to have used 75% to 85% of the medication before approving a refill. For a 30-day supply, this means you can usually request a refill 5 to 7 days before you run out. For a 90-day supply, you may request it 2 to 3 weeks early.
Controlled substances tend to have stricter rules, requiring you to be within 1 to 2 days of completely running out.
Most prescriptions are valid for 1 year after the doctor issues them. Controlled substance prescriptions are typically valid for 6 months.
If you have any concerns about your refills, speak with a pharmacist or doctor who will be able to guide you through the process.
Consider checking your medications today to see how many refills you have left and when they will be due.
Disclaimer: While Healthline strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.