Birth Control Management: Assessing and Prescribing
Pharmacists can prescribe hormonal contraception (the pill, the patch, injection, etc.) of the purpose of birth control.
This service is only for those seeking a method of birth control. Pharmacists cannot provide this service if the sole reason you require birth control is not for contraceptive purposes (such as managing menstrual cramps, acne, etc). You and your pharmacist will select the most appropriate method of birth control based on your medical history, medications, risk factors, guidelines and your preferences.
There is no cost to you for this service when you present your valid Nova Scotia Health Care **
** Medication costs are in addition to this service and may be covered by your insurance provider.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Assessing and Prescribing
Pharmacists are able to prescribe for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTI), often referred to as bladder infection. In order to be assessed by a pharmacist you must:
Your pharmacist will ask you a series of questions to determine if your infection is uncomplicated or not. If they determine you have an uncomplicated infection, your pharmacist can prescribe an antibiotic based on local guidelines and your specific needs. Pharmacists will select the one that is right for you based on your medical conditions, allergies and past history.
You will not be required to provide a urine sample at the pharmacy.
If your infection does not meet the criteria of an uncomplicated UTI, your pharmacist will refer you to a physician or nurse practitioner for further testing.
There is no cost to you for this service when you present your Nova Scotia Health Card (up to twice yearly)**
**Medication costs are in addition to this service and may be covered by your insurance provider.
Herpes Zoster (Shingles): Assessing and Prescribing
Prompt diagnosis and administration of antiviral medications for patients with shingles (herpes zoster) is very important. Pharmacists can now assess and prescribe for this condition.
During your assessment, if your pharmacist finds that you have symptoms that can lead to more serious complications (such as vision impairment), they will refer you to emergency care.
There is no costs to you for the assessment and prescribing when you present your Nova Scotia Health Card (up to twice yearly).
NOTE: this service is for those who think they have shingles. Pharmacists can also assess, prescribe, and administer the shingles vaccine. See non-covered services for more info on the vaccine.
**Medication costs are in addition to this service and may be covered by your insurance provider.
Lyme Disease Prevention: Assessing and Prescribing
If you have been bitten by a tick, the pharmacist can assess the need for treatment to help prevent Lyme disease. Pharmacists can determine whether a preventive antibiotic is appropriate. This assessment will include determining:
The treatment is only recommended if it can be administered within a 72-hour window after the tick is removed. If there are any symptoms of Lyme disease, such as a bull’s eye rash at the bite site, the window for prophylactic treatment is closed. An assessment for early Lyme disease may be available or referral to a Physician or Nurse Practitioner.
Assessment does not include tick-removal. If possible, remove the tick at home before appointment and bring it with you (in a zip lock bag) or provide a picture.
There is no cost to you for this assessment and prescribing when you present your Nova Scotia Health Card.**
Prescription Renewals: Assessing and Prescribing
Pharmacists are able to prescribe refills for prescription medications, when deemed appropriate.
Your pharmacist will determine if continuing the therapy is appropriate for you by conducting an assessment. This assessment will involve a discussion with you and, in some cases, conducting tests (such as taking your blood pressure or conducting a point of care test). Your pharmacist may review any relevant lab test results. If necessary, they may adapt or substitute your therapy during the renewal process. In some cases, it may be determined that your pharmacist does not have enough information to renew your prescription. If, after your consultation with your pharmacist, they determine a physical assessment is required by another healthcare provider, you may be referred to a physician or nurse practitioner.
There is no cost to you for this service when you present your valid Nova Scotia Health Card (up to 4 assessments yearly).**
**Medication costs are in addition to this service and may be covered by your insurance provider.
This service is available at no cost to up to four times per year.
Covid-19 vaccines and Flu Shots: Assessing, Prescribing and Administering
You can receive your influenza vaccine (flu shot) or COVID-19 vaccine at your community pharmacy at no cost to you. Scheduled clinics are made available during appropriate seasons. Appointments are available through the provincial central booking by clicking the link below or calling 1-833-797-7772.
https://novascotia.flow.canimmunize.ca/en/covid-flu-booking
Pneumonia Vaccine for Seniors
As part of Nova Scotia’s routine vaccine program for seniors, Larry’s provides the pneumococcal vaccine, which protects against pneumonia caused by many strains of the pneumococcal bacteria. You may be eligible for the vaccine at no cost if:
Vaccines can be booked online at
https://novascotia.flow.canimmunize.ca/en/vaccination-appointment
or by calling Larry’s directly at 902-538-1644
Nova Scotia Take Home Naloxone Program
This unique program is completely anonymous and you DO NOT have to present any form of identification. You will NOT be asked for your Nova Scotia Health Card.
Naloxone is a medication that is injected to provide a partial or complete reversal of an opioid overdose. This medication can prevent death and respiratory depression associated with opioid overdose.
The program includes opioid overdose prevention education as well as training on the administration of naloxone. A free take home naloxone kit is provided to Nova Scotians at risk of an opioid overdose and those who are most likely to witness and respond to an opioid overdose. The aim is to prevent opioid overdoses and related death from occurring in Nova Scotian communities.
Community Pharmacist-led Anticoagulation Management Service (CPAMS)
This service is provided at zero charge for patients taking the blood thinner Warfarin and who have a valid Nova Scotia Health Card.
This service includes
-A finger prick blood test at the pharmacy, called the International Normalized Ratio (INR), to monitor the blood thinning effect of warfarin. (Patients no longer need to have blood drawn at a lab).
A review with the pharmacist to assess factors that may be affecting your test results.
Pharmacist recommendations on continuing or adjusting your dose.
They can also provide other recommendations to assist with managing your medications and other factors that can affect your INR results.
A calendar print-out with your dosing instructions.
Results will also be sent to your family physician or nurse practitioner.
How does a patient enroll?
Patients may request enrollment with Larry’s. Physicians and Nurses can also refer patients to the program using the form below
Therapeutic Substitution
If there is a medication that will have an equivalent effect as the one you take, but has an additional benefit for you, then your pharmacist can perform an assessment to evaluate this. If appropriate, your pharmacist can prescribe and substitute your medication with another option.
Common reasons for substitution include: during a drug shortage, when a different medication will provide better outcomes for the patient, if there is a intolerance or allergy to a medication, or to reduce the financial impact on a patient (choosing a lower priced alternative).
Therapeutic substitution is an insured (zero cost) service for those who have a valid Nova Scotia Health Card when:
Prescription Adaptations
Your pharmacist may modify a dose or length of therapy of your prescription to ensure you have the most effective treatment.
An adaptation is an insured (zero cost) service for those who have a valid Nova Scotia Health Card when done to improve clinical effectiveness and patient outcomes.
The following circumstances apply: