Patient Guide
How to Transfer Prescriptions in Alberta (Step-by-Step)
Changing pharmacies can feel like a lot to organize, but transferring prescriptions in Alberta is a regulated process designed around patient choice and continuity of care.
Your Legal Right to Transfer
In Alberta, pharmacies do not "own" your prescriptions — you do. Under the Alberta College of Pharmacy regulations, you have the legal right to choose where you receive your care. If you request a transfer, your current pharmacy is legally obligated to comply and securely send your active files to your new pharmacy of choice.
You Don't Have to Coordinate the Transfer Yourself
The part people often worry about most is contacting their current pharmacy. In most cases, your new pharmacy can coordinate that professional transfer on your behalf.
When you submit a transfer request to a new pharmacy, the pharmacists handle the process through secure fax or a pharmacist-to-pharmacist call. It is a standard professional procedure, and we handle the paperwork.
The 3-Step Transfer Process
- Choose a new pharmacy: Look for accessible pharmacists, strong reviews, delivery options, and services that match your needs.
- Request a transfer: Fill out a quick online form or give the new pharmacy a short phone call. Provide your name, date of birth, and the name and phone number of your current pharmacy.
- Wait a few hours: The pharmacists handle the secure transfer of your files, including your remaining refill counts. By the same afternoon, your prescriptions are ready at your new location.
What Happens to My Refills?
Your active refills transfer with you. If your doctor wrote a prescription for a 1-year supply, and you’ve only used 3 months of it, the remaining 9 months legally transfer to your new pharmacy. You do not need to go back to your doctor just to switch pharmacies.
What to Look For in a Pharmacy
Choose a pharmacy that offers accessible pharmacists, clear communication, and services that fit your routine. At Village IDA, we get to know our patients, offer free delivery across Edmonton, and prepare custom compounded medications when commercially available options are not the right fit.