Assessment and Prescribing for Birth Control by Pharmacists

Pharmacists can assess and if necessary, prescribe medication for birth control for eligible New Brunswick residents with no service fee, if they meet eligibility criteria.

The program covers the costs for those eligible to receive up to a maximum of one (1) initial assessment service and two (2) follow-up assessment services per one-year period.

This program does NOT cover the cost of the dispensing fee(s), injection fee(s) or the prescribed medication(s).

To be eligible for this service, the patient must:

• Be a resident of New Brunswick and have a valid NB Medicare card;
• Be between the ages of 12 and 50;
• Have a menstrual cycle and not experiencing unusual menstrual changes;
• Not be pregnant or breastfeeding or within 6 weeks post-partum;
• Not reside in a nursing home.
   

• The pharmacist will provide the service in person.
• The pharmacist will complete a comprehensive assessment that includes obtaining a patient’s social history, medical history and a blood pressure measurement.
• The pharmacist will discuss with the patient all appropriate options including those they are unable to prescribe.
• The pharmacist will refer to an appropriate health care provider or service if the patient prefers to use a medication that the pharmacist is unable to prescribe.
• If medication is prescribed, the pharmacist will schedule a follow-up assessment to monitor safety and efficacy.
• The pharmacist will notify the patient’s primary care provider (if one exists).
• If medication is prescribed, the prescription must be filled on the same day as the assessment. 
   

For more information about this service, please call your pharmacy.

Information about assessment and prescribing for birth control by pharmacists can be found on the New Brunswick College of Pharmacists website.