ONLINE PRESCRIPTIONS AND REFILLS

What prescriptions can be filled online?

Whether you need a new medication or a refill of an existing one, filling a prescription online can be a convenient and cost-effective way to manage your medications. 

In addition to the convenience of getting the refill online, a licensed healthcare provider can also order it from an online pharmacy, which can deliver the medication to your home, saving you both time and money. If you have health insurance, you can also use it when you get medication online. 

Many drugs are available to order online, as long as you have a valid prescription. The prescriptions you can get online, and the ones requiring an in-person visit depend on the prescribing provider. Many online medical providers can prescribe and refill long-term medications. You can also get one-time medications to manage specific medical problems if you’re sick or injured. 

While this can vary by the prescriber, some examples of prescriptions that can be filled online include:  

• Antibiotics
• Antidepressants
• Antivirals
• Asthma medication
• Birth control
• Blood pressure medication 
• Cholesterol medication
• Diabetes medications
• Erectile dysfunction medication
• Smoking cessation medication
• Thyroid medication 
• Weight loss medication 

Some controlled substances require an in-person examination from a licensed medical provider and can’t be prescribed online. The following examples are controlled substances that require a visit with an in-person medical provider: 

• Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan) 
• Narcotic pain medications, such as codeine and valium
• Sleeping pills, such as zolpidem (Ambien) and eszopiclone (Lunesta)
• Stimulants, such as Adderall and Ritalin
• Gabapentin and other regulated medications and those that carry the potential for abuse

If you’re wondering whether you could get a prescription for a certain medication, it’s best to consult with an experienced online medical provider.

Who is eligible for online prescriptions?

One of the most beneficial aspects of online prescriptions is the ease of accessibility. You don’t have to go to an in-person pharmacy or even an in-person doctor to receive your medication. 

Many states have their own laws about online prescriptions and eligibility. Some require video visits that include a consultation and exam, while others allow phone visits or visits over text-based chats. Learn more about your state’s requirements for online prescriptions through the Center for Connected Health Policy. 

Can I get an online prescription without seeing a doctor?

Only licensed medical providers can prescribe medications, and that includes prescribing medications online. However, you don’t have to see a prescriber in person to receive your medication. Many healthcare providers practice telemedicine and prescribe medication through video visits, phone calls, or virtual chats. Keep in mind prescribing laws for telemedicine vary by state. 

Remember, too, that not all prescribers are medical doctors. Nurse practitioners and physician’s assistants can also prescribe certain medications in person or via telemedicine. Some  specialists, such as optometrists and dentists, can also write specific prescriptions.

How can I get a prescription fast?

Getting an appointment with a medical provider can take time, which isn’t always convenient if you need a prescription filled quickly. One of the most convenient ways to get your medication fast is to meet with an online medical provider. Many online clinics — including K Health — offer same-day online visits. These visits can take place in the comfort of your own home and are usually much shorter than seeing a medical professional at a clinic or hospital. 

Depending on your medical needs and your state laws, the online provider can then send your prescription to an online pharmacy of your choice. If you would prefer to pick up your own medication, you can also request the provider send your prescription to an in-person pharmacy. 

Do I need a prescription to get medication?

Over-the-counter drugs are medications that you can get at the store without a medical provider’s prescription. For example, you can pick up your ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or Benadryl from a pharmacy store without going through a doctor or pharmacist. All prescription medications, however, require a consultation with a licensed medical provider, who sends the prescription to a pharmacy to get filled. Common medications that are available only by prescription include antibiotics, blood pressure medication, antidepressants, and medicine for erectile dysfunction.

If you have any questions about a specific drug or medical condition, speak to a healthcare provider about the best options available for you. 

Can I get a prescription online while I’m traveling?

If you forget your medication or come down with an illness, it’s possible to get a prescription online while you’re traveling, even if you’re in a different state than the one you live in. 

To get a prescription when you’re traveling, you’ll need to see a medical provider in person or online. The provider can then send your prescription — whether it’s a refill of an existing long-term medication or a new one — to a pharmacy of your choice. 

Can I refill my prescription online?

As long as you meet with a licensed prescriber for an assessment, you can have an existing prescription refilled virtually. It’s your choice whether you pick the prescription refill up at a pharmacy near you or have the medication delivered to your home via an online pharmacy. 

If your prescription was originally filled online, your medical provider would determine how many refills you can get. Some medical conditions and medications require an in-person visit before a refill can be given, while others can be refilled online. 

Whether you’re hoping to request a new prescription or refill one that you’ve been taking for a while, start by meeting with an online medical provider who will discuss the most appropriate treatment options for you.