Online prescription renewal in Quebec: how it works

Online prescription renewal—or renewal via teleconsultation—is a remote medical consultation during which a doctor evaluates your health status and, if everything indicates your treatment is progressing well, renews your prescription. The consultation takes place via video or telephone, depending on what the clinic offers and what your clinical situation allows.

In Quebec, only an authorized physician can renew a medical prescription. This is not a mere administrative form – the physician must exercise clinical judgment to ensure the medication is still indicated, the dosage is appropriate, and there are no concerning side effects or changes in your health condition that would warrant a review.

The pharmacy can, under specific conditions defined by the Pharmacy Act, temporarily extend a prescription (usually for one month). However, for a complete renewal, it is the doctor who issues the prescription.

Causes and situations that justify online renewal

Renewal by teleconsultation is particularly suitable for stable chronic conditions where the treatment is well-established and regular monitoring is needed. Among the most common situations:

Cardiovascular and metabolic conditions
– Controlled high blood pressure with medication
– Stable type 2 diabetes with well-controlled blood sugar
– Dyslipidemia (cholesterol) treated

Psychiatric and neurological conditions
Depression or anxiety with well-tolerated antidepressant treatment
– Adult ADHD with stable medication (under certain conditions and depending on the medication)
Insomnia treated with uncontrolled medications

Contraception and women's health
Oral contraceptives (the pill) — refills can often be done online
– Other hormonal contraceptives if regular follow-up is ongoing

Various chronic conditions
Stable hypothyroidism on levothyroxine
— Mild to moderate asthma with bronchodilators or inhaled corticosteroids
Gastroesophageal reflux treated with proton pump inhibitors

Not all medications can be refilled via telehealth. Certain controlled medications (such as opioids or certain ADHD medications, depending on their class) require an in-person visit according to current regulations. The doctor assesses each situation individually.

How does a need for renewal manifest: warning signs

A prescription renewal shouldn't be on automatic pilot. It's also an opportunity for the doctor - and for you - to take stock of your treatment. There are a number of signals worth mentioning to your doctor at the time of your refill consultation:

– New or worsening adverse effects
Feeling that the medication is less effective than before
– Difficulty taking your medications regularly (frequent forgetfulness, cost, side effects)
– Changes in your general health status since the last renewal
– Current or planned pregnancy, if you are taking medication
New medications, natural products, or supplements you have started taking

This information allows the doctor to ensure that your treatment is still the right one for you.

Diagnosis and evaluation: what the doctor checks during a renewal

During a renewal consultation, the doctor doesn't just sign a prescription. They conduct a clinical assessment tailored to your condition:

– He asks you questions about your general health and your symptoms since your last appointment
- He checks if you have had any adverse effects or reactions to the medication
He ensures that your blood tests or other follow-up tests are up-to-date, if applicable (e.g., lipid panel for cholesterol medication, TSH for thyroid, blood sugar for diabetes)
He confirms that you are taking your medication as instructed and that the dose remains appropriate.
He makes sure there are no new drug interactions.

If the doctor deems an in-person visit necessary — for example, for a physical exam, blood pressure check, or blood draw — they will inform you and guide you accordingly.

Seek immediate medical attention (or call 9-1-1) if you experience any serious side effects from your medication, such as: severe allergic reaction, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face or throat.

How to proceed with an online prescription renewal

The process is generally simple:

Schedule a teleconsultation appointment
Schedule an online medical consultation with a doctor. Specify at registration that the reason is a prescription renewal and indicate the medication concerned. This allows the doctor to prepare adequately.

2. Prepare for your consultation
Before your appointment, gather useful information:
– The name and dosage of the current medication
Current treatment duration
– The name of your usual pharmacy
– Any notes regarding effects or changes since your last consultation
– Recent test results, if you have any

3. The Consultation
The doctor assesses you, asks their questions, and determines whether to renew the prescription as is, modify it, or ask you to come in person for a more complete evaluation.

4. Prescription transmission
If the renewal is approved, the doctor will send the prescription directly to your pharmacy – or provide it to you electronically, according to current practices in Quebec.

Access to prescription renewal via Clinique Omicron

Clinique Omicron offers medical consultations via telemedicine for many common reasons, including prescription renewals for stable chronic conditions. Our doctors can evaluate you remotely, renew your treatment if clinically appropriate, and refer you for an in-person consultation if your situation requires it.

Consultations are available through our network of service points in Quebec, either in person or online, depending on what suits your situation. Some services are covered by the RAMQ; others fall under the private sector. Your doctor or our team can inform you of the terms applicable to your consultation.

UVO Home Care is also available for patients with reduced mobility who require a medical assessment at home.

FAQ — Prescription renewal online in Quebec

Can a pharmacist refill my prescription without a doctor?
In Quebec, a pharmacist can, in specific situations, extend a prescription for a short period (generally one month) in an emergency if the doctor is inaccessible. This is not a complete renewal; it's a limited emergency service. For a complete renewal, a medical consultation is necessary.

Can all medications be renewed online?
No. Controlled substances (certain opioids, certain ADHD medications depending on their class, benzodiazepines) are subject to stricter rules and may require an in-person consultation. The doctor will determine what is possible based on your situation.

Is it covered by RAMQ?
Medical consultations for prescription renewals can be covered by the RAMQ if offered under the public system. Private consultations are billed separately. Check the applicable coverage according to the type of consultation chosen.

How long does a renewal consultation take?
A routine renewal consultation usually lasts ten to fifteen minutes. It may be longer if your medical situation has changed or if the doctor has additional questions.

Do I need a family doctor to get an online renewal?
No. You can see a doctor at a clinic—without a designated family physician—for a prescription renewal, provided you bring the necessary information about your current treatment.

Can I renew a prescription for a medication prescribed by a specialist?
Yes, in many cases. A general practitioner can renew a specialist's prescription for stable conditions, especially if the treatment is well-established. In more complex cases, they may prefer to refer you back to the specialist.

What happens if the doctor refuses to renew my prescription online?
The doctor may determine that an in-person visit is necessary – for a physical examination, blood tests, or a more thorough re-evaluation of your condition. This is not an arbitrary refusal, but a medical decision based on your record. Follow the doctor's recommendations to ensure safe follow-up care.

How does my pharmacy receive the prescription?
In Quebec, doctors can send prescriptions directly to the pharmacy electronically. You can also receive a prescription in digital or paper format, depending on the clinic's practices.

Teleconsultation in Quebec — Private Online Doctor | Omicron Clinic