Generally, getting a prescription filled is a simple task. Yet, for those who are injured, elderly, or have disabilities, this task can become more complex.
In such situations, it might be needed for someone else to pick up the prescription for them.
We’ll explore the usual process for picking up a prescription and what a pharmacy needs if someone is collecting a prescription for someone else.
Picking Up Prescriptions
- The doctor sends the prescription to the pharmacy electronically, through fax, or writes a paper prescription for the patient.
- The patient goes to the pharmacy to pick up a prescription.
- Pharmacy fills prescriptions and charges patients for the medication.
Most pharmacies will only require the patient’s name, date of birth, and valid form of payment to pick up a prescription.
Yet some medications, for example, controlled medication, will require a valid ID.
How Long Do You Have To Pick Up
Generally speaking, you have about 7 days to pick up a prescription that your doctor has sent to the pharmacy.
However, the prescription does not expire after 7 days.
Depending on the state and type of medication a prescription will remain valid for 6-12 months.
Prescriptions for uncontrolled medications such as lisinopril are typically valid for 12 months from the time a doctor writes the prescription while prescriptions for controlled medication such as Oxycodone are usually only good for 6 months.
What Happens If You Don’t Pick Up
If a prescription is not picked up within 7 days, the medication will likely be reshelved at the pharmacy.
In other words, the pharmacy will need to dispense the medication and have it verified by the pharmacist again before it is available for pickup.
As a reminder, depending on the state and type of medication a prescription will remain valid for 6-12 months.
Can Someone Else Pick It Up?
Simply put, yes – In most cases, someone else can pick up your prescription.
There are usually a few extra things that person will need.
For example, if the doctor gave a written prescription, the person picking up the medication will need the written prescription to have it filled at the pharmacy.
Most pharmacies will also require some sort of verification that you know the patient. This could mean knowing the patient’s name, date of birth, etc.
Although, arriving at the pharmacy to pick up a specific prescription for the individual is enough for some pharmacists.
Can Someone Else Pick It Up For Me?
In most cases, someone else can pick up a controlled substance prescription on behalf of the patient.
“No prescription for a controlled substance transmitted by means of an oral or electronically transmitted order shall be furnished to any person unknown and unable to properly establish his or her identity.”
In other words, the person will need to have a valid form of ID in order to receive the medication.
Final Words
Drake Holloway, 45, is a pharmacist and freelance blog writer for NowRx.com. He uses his professional background to provide information and opinions on diverse subjects to those seeking guidance.
