Starting June 1, British Columbians will have easier access to prescriptions for certain minor ailments and contraception by seeking treatment directly from a pharmacist as part of PharmaCare’s Minor Ailments and Contraception Service (MACS).

Pharmacists across the province will be able assess and prescribe for contraception needs and 21 minor ailments such as acne, dermatitis, indigestion, fungal and bacterial infections and shingles. Please see the table below for a full list of minor ailments that pharmacists can now provide service for or visit the BC PharmaCare website for more information.

Are you aware of the other services your pharmacists can already provide for you?*:

• Renew your prescription for up to 2 years
• Adjust the dose or the timing for how you take or use your medication
• Change the formulation of your medication (for example, from a tablet to a capsule or a liquid)
• Substitute your medication for a different but similar medication
• Review your medications to make sure they are the best ones for you
• Provide vaccinations
  
  

*There are some limitations, so speak to your pharmacist to find out more details.

Pacific Blue Cross acknowledges the scope of practice expansion of BC pharmacists and will continue to accept drug claims prescribed by pharmacists given that they are practicing in accordance with the standards, limits and conditions set out by the College of Pharmacists of BC.

These services are now available from more than 1,400 community pharmacies across BC. Initially, some pharmacies may not be equipped to assess and prescribe for all conditions. Please contact your preferred pharmacy to confirm if they offer the services you require and if they are accepting appointments for an assessment. A central booking system is expected to launch on June 29, 2023.

Minor ailments

You can now see a pharmacist to get assessed and treated for the following conditions:

• Allergies (allergic rhinitis)
• Cold sores
• Fungal infections
• Heartburn (acid reflux)
• Hemorrhoids
• Headaches
• Impetigo
• Indigestion (upset stomach)
• Itching, including from bug bites
• Menstrual pain
• Mild acne
• Nicotine dependence
• Oral fungal infections (thrush)
• Oral ulcers (canker sores)
• Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
• Shingles
• Sprains and strains
• Skin rash (dermatitis)
• Threadworms or pinworms
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infection
• Vaginal candidiasis (yeast infection)