2 Care Pharmacy

Services / Minor Ailments Prescribing

Minor Ailments Prescribing

Skip the walk-in. Our pharmacist will assess your condition and, where appropriate, prescribe — no doctor visit needed. An assessment is required before any prescription is issued.

OHIP covered Online-bookable Walk-ins welcome
Book a minor ailment assessment Call 905-201-1497
Minor Ailments Prescribing

Who it's for

OHIP-insured Ontario residents with one of the 19 minor ailments in pharmacist scope — pink eye, hayfever, UTIs, cold sores, and more. A pharmacist assessment is required before any prescription is issued; some conditions or patient circumstances may fall outside pharmacist scope and require referral. Patients without a valid OHIP card are welcome — a fee will apply.

All 19 covered conditions

Under O. Reg. 256/24, Ontario pharmacists are authorized to assess and prescribe for the following minor ailments:

  1. Acne (mild)
  2. Allergic rhinitis (hayfever)
  3. Aphthous ulcers (canker sores)
  4. Candidal stomatitis (oral thrush)
  5. Conjunctivitis (pink eye — bacterial, allergic, or viral)
  6. Dermatitis (atopic/eczema, allergic, or contact)
  7. Diaper dermatitis
  8. Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps)
  9. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (acid reflux)
  10. Hemorrhoids
  11. Herpes labialis (cold sores)
  12. Impetigo
  13. Insect bites and urticaria (hives)
  14. Tick bites — post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent Lyme disease
  15. Musculoskeletal sprains and strains
  16. Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy
  17. Pinworms and threadworms
  18. Urinary tract infections (uncomplicated)
  19. Vulvovaginal candidiasis (vaginal yeast infections)

Important: Being on this list does not guarantee a prescription. A pharmacist assessment is required for every visit. The pharmacist may determine that your condition is outside their prescribing scope, that a doctor or specialist is more appropriate, or that no prescription is needed — in which case you’ll receive a clear recommendation and referral if required. Some patient profiles (e.g., pregnant patients depending on the specific condition, complex chronic illness, pediatric cases) may have additional limitations.

Not sure if your situation qualifies? Call or book — we’ll give you a straight answer in a few minutes.

What’s included

  • A private 15–20 minute assessment with a pharmacist trained in physical assessment.
  • A clear answer — prescription if appropriate, OTC recommendation if better suited, or referral if you need a doctor.
  • The prescription on the spot (when warranted) so you walk out with everything you need.
  • A written summary sent to your family doctor — required under Ontario pharmacy regulations, done within your PHIPA circle of care.
  • Follow-up — we’ll check in by phone if your condition needed close monitoring.

How it works

  1. Book online or call us to grab a same-day or next-day appointment.
  2. Bring your symptoms and your meds list. A photo of the affected area (for things like pinkeye or a rash) is helpful but not required.
  3. Sit with the pharmacist in our private area for a structured assessment.
  4. Get a plan — prescription, non-prescription advice, or a referral with clear instructions.
  5. Pick up your medication before you leave, if one was prescribed.

What it costs

Free for OHIP-insured Ontario residents. You only pay for any medication that’s prescribed (and even then, many are inexpensive or covered by drug benefit plans). If you do not have a valid OHIP card, we will quote the assessment fee upfront before we begin — no surprises. Note: long-term care home residents are not eligible for the funded service fee under current Ministry of Health rules.

Frequently asked

Common questions about minor ailments prescribing.

What's actually covered?
Under Ontario's expanded pharmacist scope (O. Reg. 256/24), pharmacists can assess and, if appropriate, prescribe for all 19 authorized minor ailments: acne (mild), allergic rhinitis (hayfever), aphthous ulcers (canker sores), candidal stomatitis (oral thrush), conjunctivitis (pink eye — bacterial, allergic, or viral), dermatitis (eczema, allergic, or contact), diaper dermatitis, dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps), GERD (acid reflux), hemorrhoids, herpes labialis (cold sores), impetigo, insect bites and urticaria (hives), tick bites (Lyme disease post-exposure prophylaxis), musculoskeletal sprains and strains, nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, pinworms and threadworms, uncomplicated urinary tract infections, and vulvovaginal candidiasis (yeast infections). If we assess and decide a prescription isn't the right call, we'll tell you and point you to the right care.
Does being on the list guarantee I'll get a prescription?
No — and that's by design. Ontario regulations require a pharmacist to conduct a full assessment before prescribing. The pharmacist may determine that your condition is more complex than a minor ailment, that a physician or specialist is the right next step, or that an over-the-counter recommendation is actually better suited to your situation. Some patient circumstances — certain stages of pregnancy, pediatric patients, or conditions complicated by other health issues — may also fall outside pharmacist prescribing scope. If that's the case, we'll tell you exactly why and where to go next. We will never leave you without a clear plan.
Is it free?
For OHIP-insured Ontario residents, yes — the pharmacist assessment is covered at no cost to you. You'll only pay for any medication prescribed, and many are inexpensive or also covered under your drug benefits plan. Residents of long-term care homes are not eligible for the funded service fee. If you do not have a valid OHIP card, we will quote you the assessment fee upfront before we begin.
Do I need an appointment?
We strongly recommend it. A minor ailment assessment is a 15–20 minute private conversation — booking guarantees you a slot and avoids a wait.
What if my issue isn't on the list?
We'll still see you and either help you with what's appropriate at our scope, or refer you to a family doctor, walk-in clinic, or emergency department depending on urgency. We never want you to leave without a clear next step.
Will my doctor know about this?
Yes — and this is a regulatory requirement, not just a courtesy. Under Ontario pharmacy regulations, pharmacists are required to notify your primary care provider of any minor ailment prescription within a reasonable time. This is done within your circle of care under Ontario's Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) and does not require your separate consent. If you do not have a primary care provider, we keep the record in your pharmacy file. You may instruct us not to share under your PHIPA rights, but be aware that this conflicts with our professional obligation under the pharmacy regulation — we will explain your options if this situation arises.
What should I bring?
Your OHIP card, a list of medications you're currently taking (or just the bottles), and any details about your symptoms — when they started, what makes them better or worse.

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Book your appointment online in under a minute, or call us and we'll find a time that works.

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