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Find details about the minor illnesses for which our pharmacists can assess and prescribe

Think you need a prescription? Just ask our pharmacists.

Pharmacists can assess and prescribe medication, where appropriate, for many minor illnesses.

We can provide advice, options and prevention tips so you can find relief.

Book an appointment

Our pharmacists can treat, where appropriate, the minor illnesses below:

An image of a woman sitting on her couch, holding her stomach with a pained expression.

Urinary tract infection (uncomplicated UTI)

A UTI is a bacterial infection affecting the lower part of the urinary tract, most commonly the bladder.

The most common symptoms are:

Painful or difficulty with urination
Feelings of an urgent need to urinate
Frequent urination
May experience pain in the bladder/abdominal area
Some people notice foul smelling or cloudy urine

Pharmacists can assess and prescribe, where appropriate, for UTIs in female individuals. Since bladder infections are less common in males, males with symptoms should be assessed by a physician or nurse practitioner.

An image of a man looking at a cold sore on his lips in the mirror.

Cold sores* (Herpes Labialis)

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus.

The most common symptoms are:

Red skin surrounding fluid filled blisters on one side of the border of the lip
Blisters that can break and contain a sticky clear fluid which crusts over before the healing process begins
In the day before it is visible, some people notice an itchy, tingly or burning feeling in the area of the blister

*Prescribing service not available in MB.

A picture of a woman covering her nose with a tissue while sitting in a green field.

Nasal allergies (Allergic Rhinitis)

Allergic rhinitis occurs when the surface of the nasal passages is exposed to and becomes sensitized to the presence of allergens. Common allergens include grass, pollen, trees, outdoor or indoor mold, dust mites, pets, etc.

The most common symptoms are:

Nasal itching
Runny nose (clear, watery discharge)
Sneezing
Mild to major congestion
Some people notice post-nasal drip, coughing, fatigue or feeling irritable

An image showing a child with a skin infection on his knees.

Skin infection* (Impetigo)

This is a very common bacterial infection of the skin that is very contagious and is usually (although not always) seen in children. The symptoms are seen most often on the face, usually around the nose or mouth, or on the arms and/or legs.

The most common symptoms are:

Bumps on the skin that turn to blisters surrounded by red skin
When the blisters break they discharge a yellowish fluid
The fluid dries to a crust that is golden or honey coloured
The sores may be itchy

*Prescribing service not available in MB.

An image showing skin rashes on a child's arm.

Skin rash (Dermatitis)

Skin rashes can be caused by a variety of reasons including contact with irritating substances, family history, stress, low humidity or other environmental factors. Dermatitis is generally chronic or keeps occurring repeatedly.

The most common symptoms are:

Very itchy skin
Rash that appears after repeatedly scratching the skin
Dry skin

A picture of a leg with a bug bite on it

Hives, bug bites or stings (Urticaria)

Urticaria is skin irritation most commonly appearing as itchy, red welts usually stemming from insect bites or stings.

The most common symptoms are:

Pain and/or itching
Redness and/or swelling (welts or hives)

Note: Severe reactions to insect stings are a medical emergency and immediate treatment should be sought or administered. People who know they have severe reactions should carry an epinephrine auto-injector. Severe symptoms include:

Trouble breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing
Tingling, numbness or swelling of lips, mouth, or tongue
Fainting or dizziness
Confusion
Rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure

An image of a woman seated on a couch experiencing pain, likely due to piles.

Hemorrhoids

These occur when tissue in the anal canal becomes swollen, filled with blood clots, moves downward, or starts bleeding.

The most common symptoms in the rectal area include:

Itching and/or burning
Pain and/or swelling
Noticing bright red bleeding during or right after having a bowel movement

Menstrual cramps* (Dysmenorrhea)

Pain shortly before or during the start of menstruation.

The most common symptoms include:

Cramping pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area lasting for 2-3 days
Pain in the lower back and upper thighs
Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
Feeling tired or weak

*Prescribing service not available in MB.

Muscle pain*

Can occur due to overuse or an injury such as pulling, twisting, or stretching a muscle or associated tissues like tendons or ligaments.

The most common symptoms include:

Pain
Swelling
Bruising (may be present in some cases)

*Prescribing service not available in MB.

A picture of a woman suffering from heartburn.

Heartburn* (GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease)

Occurs when contents from the stomach such as food or acid come back up the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach).

Common symptoms include:

A burning feeling in the middle of the chest
A sour taste in the mouth or the feeling of fluid moving up and down in the chest (regurgitation)

*Prescribing service not available in MB.

A picture of a kid sticking his tongue out of his mouth.

Oral thrush (Fungal infection in the mouth)

Occurs when the Candida fungus that is normally present in the mouth in small quantities starts to overgrow.

Common symptoms in the mouth include:

White patches on the lips, cheeks, tongue or back of the throat
Patches can be scraped off but leave behind reddened areas or some bleeding
Unpleasant taste or fuzzy feeling in the mouth
Cracked or dry corners of the lips or mouth

Book an appointment

British Columbia

Acne
Allergies
Athlete's foot
Birth control (contraception)
Bladder/Urinary tract infection
Cold sores (oral)
Eczema
Emergency contraception
Fungail nail infection
Headache
Heartburn/Acid reflux
Hemorrhoids
Hives
Impetigo
Indigestion
Insect Bites
Jock itch
Menstrual (period) pain
Muscle pain
Oral canker sores
Oral fungal infection (thrush)
Pink eye
Ringworm
Shingles
Skin rash
Smoking cessation
Threadworms and pinworms
Vaginal yeast infection

Alberta

A pharmacist with Additional Prescribing Authorization may be able to assess and prescribe a medication for many more minor illnesses. Speak to your pharmacist to find out how they can help.

Acne (mild)
Diaper rash
Eczema (mild to moderate)
Shingles
Minor cuts
Fungal nail infection
Head lice
Psoriasis
Dandruff
Warts
Diarrhea
Indigestion
Threadworms and pinworms
Vomiting and nausea
Emergency contraception
Erectile dysfunction
Hormonal contraception
Yeast infection
Asthma
Cough
COVID treatment
Influenza
Nasal congestion
Sore throat
Pink eye
Dry eyes
Headache (mild)
Sleep disorders (minor)
Smoking cessation

Manitoba

Acne
Allergies
Athlete's foot
Bladder/Urinary tract infection
Eczema
Hemorrhoids
Hives
Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy
Oral canker sores
Oral fungal infection (thrush)
Seborrheic dermatitis
Skin rash
Smoking cessation

Saskatchewan

Acid reflux
Acne (mild)
Athlete's foot
Bacterial skin infections
Birth control (contraception)
Bladder/Urinary tract infection
Cold sores
Diaper rash
Emergency contraception
Erectile dysfunction
Flu
Fungal nail infection
Headaches
Hemorrhoids
Inflammation of the eye
Insect bites
Jock Itch
Lyme disease prevention
Menstrual (period) pain
Muscle strains and sprains
Nausea & vomiting in pregnancy
Oral canker sores
Oral fungal infection (thrush)
Pinworms
Recurrent genital herpes
Ring worm
Seasonal allergies
Shingles
Skin rash/Eczema
Smoking cessation

Ontario

Acne
Allergies
Bladder/Urinary tract infection
Cold sores (oral)
Diaper rash
Heartburn/acid reflux
Hemorrhoids
Hives
Impetigo
Inflammation of the eye
Insect bites
Menstrual (period) pain
Muscle sprains and strains
Nausea & vomiting in pregnancy
Oral canker sores
Oral fungal infection (thrush)
Skin rash/eczema
Smoking cessation
Threadworms and pinworms
Tick bites (Lyme disease prevention)
Vaginal yeast infection

New Brunswick

Acne (mild)
Birth control (contraception)
Bladder/Urinary tract infection
Bug bites and stings
Calluses and corns
Cold sores
Cough
Dandruff
Diarrhea
Dry eyes
Eczema (mild to moderate)
Emergency contraception
Fever
Fungal infections of the skin
Headache (mild)
Heartburn/acid reflux
Hemorrhoids
Hives
Impetigo
Indigestion
Menstrual (period) pain
Minor joint and muscle pain
Nasal congestion and discharge
Nausea
Oral fungal infection (thrush)
Pink eye
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
Shingles
Skin rash
Sleep disorders (minor)
Smoking cessation
Sore throat
Threadworms and pinworms
Tick bites (Lyme disease prevention)
Vaginal yeast infection
Warts

Nova Scotia

Acne (mild)
Allergies
Birth control (contraception)
Bladder/Urinary tract infection
Bug bites and stings
Calluses and corns
Cold sores
Cough
Dandruff
Diarrhea
Dry eyes
Eczema (mild to moderate)
Emergency contraception
Fungal infections of the skin
Headache (mild)
Heartburn/Acid reflux
Hemorrhoids
Hives (mild)
Impetigo
Indigestion
Menstrual (period) pain
Minor joint and muscle pain
Nasal congestion
Nausea
Oral canker sores
Oral fungal infection (thrush)
Pink eye
Shingles
Skin rash
Sleep disorders (minor)
Smoking cessation
Sore throat
Threadworms and pinworms
Tick bites (Lyme disease prevention)
Vaginal yeast infection
Warts

PEI

Acne (mild)
Allergic skin rash
Allergies
Birth control (contraception)
Bladder/Urinary tract infection
Bug bites and stings
Calluses and corns
Cold sores
Cough
COVID
Dandruff
Diarrhea
Dry eyes
Eczema (mild to moderate)
Emergency contraception
Fungal infections of the skin
Headache (mild)
Heartburn/Acid reflux
Hemorrhoids
Hives (mild)
Impetigo
Indigestion
Menstural (period) pain
Minor join and muscle pain
Nasal congestion
Nausea
Oral canker sores
Oral fungal infection (thrush)
Shingles
Sleep disorders (minor)
Smoking cessation
Sore throat
Threadworms and pinworms
Vaginal yeast infection
Warts

Newfoundland

Acne (mild)
Allergies
Birth control (contraception)
Bladder/Urinary tract infection
Bug bite and stings
Calluses and corns
Cold sores
Cough
COVID
Dandruff
Diarrhea
Dry eyes
Eczema (mild to moderate)
Emergency contraception
Fungal nail infection
Fungal skin infections
Headache (mild)
Heartburn/Acid reflux
Hemorrhoids
Impetigo
Indigestion
Menstural (period) pain
Mild hives
Minor joint and muscle pain
Nasal congestion
Nausea
Oral canker sores
Oral fungal infection (thrush)
Pink eye
Pinworms
Seborrhea
Shingles
Skin rash
Sleep disorders (minor)
Smoking cessation
Sore throat
Vaginal yeast infection
Vomiting
Warts

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