The best time to obtain a refill of your prescription medicines is when you visit your doctor.  During the visit, the doctor or nurse is able to review all your current medications and update any refills you need.  Always bring your medicines with you to your visit.

If you need a refill before you visit the doctor, please call your refill request in to your local pharmacy.  The pharmacy will have a record of your prescription information and insurance benefits.  The pharmacy will contact our office directly if additional information is needed.  Remember that it may take two or three days for your pharmacist to refill a prescription so please call your refills into the pharmacy several days before you need them. 

Written Prescriptions for Military Bases or Mail Order Services

If you need  hand written prescriptions to take to a military base pharmacy or for mail order services, please have these filled at the time of your visit or use the Prescription Refill Line by calling 757-988-3151.   

It may take two or three days for your refill request to be processed.  Therefore,  please call in your refill several days before you run out of your medicine.

Narcotics and Controlled Substances

There are very strict state laws concerning refills of narcotics and other controlled substances.  Refills on these medicines will usually require a face to face office visit with your regular provider.  We will not refill these medications after office hours or on weekends.

Medication Safety

When you receive a prescription from your doctor, it is very important that you understand

• What your medicine is for
• How to take the medicine
• The possible side effects of the medicine and what to do if they occur
•  If the medication is safe to take with vitamins, other supplements, over the counter medicines, etc.
•  If there are any foods, drinks, or activities that should be avoided while taking the medicine

Please ask your doctor or the nurse any questions you may have about your medicines before you leave the office.  We want to make sure you fully understand what you are supposed to do so that the treatment is successful and improves your health.

Also, be sure to use the expertise of the pharmacist for any questions, especially:

• Read and understand your labels and ask the Pharmacist if you have any concerns or questions about the medicine or the directions 

For info on medication safety please go to this site:

Associated URL: http://familydoctor.org/online/familydocen/home/healthy/safety/safety/736.html