Much like our doctors, the pharmacy we choose plays an important role in our health.

Whether it’s convenience of location and hours of operation, friendly and helpful staff, short turnaround times for dispensing medication, or trust in the level of prescription accuracy, it’s important to feel comfortable with our choice.

So, when it comes to selecting a pharmacy what are some things worth considering?

A whole-patient approach

Your pharmacy team is there to provide you with information on over-the-counter and prescription drugs. As their customer, they can advise you on how these medications will work with your medical needs and answer questions about drug administration, interactions or side-effects. It’s important that your pharmacy team looks at you as a whole person rather than the single condition that you are looking to treat. Now that pharmacy technicians are responsible for dispensing the medication, they can also spend more of their time ensuring that the medication prescribed is appropriate for the patient.¹

Personalized service

A great pharmacy team will have a variety of comprehensive services to help you understand and manage your condition, illness and/or medication management. Here are just a few services to help you reach your unique health goals:

• Compliance aids for taking medication
• Vaccinations for certain illnesses
• Support to stop smoking
• Prescription adaptation

Invested in your health

A pharmacy that is invested in your health will take the needed steps to help you and your physician manage your illness. This includes:

• Review active medications to address any problems identified
• Ensure medications have purpose (e.g. making sure that you’re not taking something for a condition that has been corrected)
• Provide care for active and known conditions (e.g. if they know you have asthma, but you do not have a prescription for asthma medication)
• Ensure there are no conflicts or negative drug interactions
• Check drug dosages are correct

Ease of service

Being able to refill a prescription online, request free delivery and have access to a pharmacist regardless of the day of the week or time of day is very helpful. Auto refills and being able to order a 90-day supply are also high on the list of perks that some people are looking for.

Did you know? As an RTIP member, you have access to the convenience of Express Scripts Canada Pharmacy. To learn more about this service, visit https://express-scripts.ca/OTIP .³  

With a little bit of research, you can find a pharmacy that will work with you to manage your medication and health needs.

We are here to help

If you have questions about your pharmacy options and Express Scripts Canada Pharmacy, please call OTIP Benefits Services at 1-866-783-6847.


1. Ontario College of Pharmacists
2. Express Scripts