How to Transfer Your Prescription in Ontario — Step-by-Step Guide
Switching pharmacies in Ontario is easier than most people think. Here is exactly what you need, what can and cannot be transferred, and how to do it in under 30 minutes.
Address
550 Matheson Blvd W, Unit 106
Mississauga, ON L5R 4B8
Inside Heartland Town Centre
Hours
Monday - Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Can You Transfer Any Prescription in Ontario?
In Ontario, most prescriptions can be transferred between licensed pharmacies. The Ontario Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act and the regulations under it give pharmacists the authority to transfer prescription records — including the remaining refills — to another pharmacy. You do not need your doctor to write a new prescription when switching pharmacies.
The main exception is controlled substances — particularly narcotics listed under Schedule I of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (such as oxycodone, hydromorphone, morphine, fentanyl, and codeine above certain strengths). These have stricter transfer rules. Benzodiazepines and other controlled substances also have limitations. See the section below for details.
Can transfer
- • Blood pressure / heart medications
- • Diabetes medications
- • Thyroid medications
- • Cholesterol medications
- • Antidepressants / mood stabilizers
- • Inhalers / asthma medications
- • Allergy medications (prescription)
- • Most antibiotics (with refills)
- • Oral contraceptives
Restricted or cannot transfer
- • Narcotics (oxycodone, hydromorphone, fentanyl) — one-time only, full transfer
- • Benzodiazepines (lorazepam, clonazepam) — limited transfer rules
- • Prescriptions with zero refills remaining
- • Expired prescriptions
- • Prescriptions already partially transferred
What You Need to Transfer Your Prescription
Your medication bottle or prescription label
The label on your current medication bottle has all the information needed: prescription number, drug name, dose, quantity, prescriber name, and the previous pharmacy's contact information. Bring the bottle or take a photo of the label.
Your health card (OHIP) and drug plan card
Bring your OHIP card and any private insurance or ODB drug plan card so your coverage can be applied immediately. Your new pharmacy will bill your plan as usual.
Previous pharmacy name and phone number
Your new pharmacy will call the previous pharmacy to authorize the transfer. The name and phone number is on your medication label, so no separate note is needed.
Government-issued photo ID (for controlled substances)
If transferring a controlled substance prescription, you will need to show valid photo ID. This is required under Ontario regulations for narcotic and controlled drug records.
Step-by-Step: How to Transfer Your Prescription to Peel Best Pharmacy
- 1
Walk in or call us
Visit Peel Best Pharmacy at 550 Matheson Blvd W, Unit 106, Mississauga, or call (905) 712-0003. No appointment needed.
- 2
Provide your medication details
Give our pharmacist your medication bottle (or the label photo) and your previous pharmacy's name and phone number. Your OHIP and drug plan card will be needed to set up your patient profile.
- 3
We call your previous pharmacy
Our pharmacist contacts your previous pharmacy directly to confirm the prescription details and remaining refills, and to notify them of the transfer. This is a pharmacist-to-pharmacist communication — you do not need to be involved.
- 4
Prescription is entered and verified
Once confirmed, your prescription is entered into our system and verified by our pharmacist. Your drug plan is billed as usual.
- 5
Pick up your medication
Your medication is dispensed and ready for pickup — usually within 15–30 minutes if both pharmacies are reachable. Or choose free prescription delivery to your home.
Narcotic & Controlled Substance Transfer Rules in Ontario
Controlled substance prescriptions — particularly narcotics under Schedule I (opioids such as oxycodone, hydromorphone, morphine, fentanyl, codeine above threshold doses) — have special transfer rules under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada) and Ontario regulations.
A narcotic prescription may only be transferred once, in full, with no further transfers permitted. Partial dispenses and partial refill transfers are not allowed. After the transfer, the original pharmacy's record is voided and all remaining fills must be filled at the new pharmacy.
If you are on a narcotic prescription and want to switch to Peel Best Pharmacy, call us at (905) 712-0003 and our pharmacist will walk you through the process and ensure the transfer is handled correctly and in compliance with Ontario regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions — Prescription Transfers in Ontario
Can I transfer any prescription to Peel Best Pharmacy?
Do I need to contact my old pharmacy first?
Can I transfer a narcotic or controlled substance prescription in Ontario?
How long does a prescription transfer take?
What if my prescription has no refills left?
Is there a fee to transfer my prescription?
Transfer Your Prescriptions to Peel Best Pharmacy
550 Matheson Blvd W, Unit 106 · Mississauga, ON L5R 4B8
Mon–Fri 10 AM – 4 PM · Sun 10 AM – 2 PM · Walk in or call · Free prescription delivery available