Pharmacists in New Brunswick are authorized to assess and prescribe for over 35 common conditions, which are typically short-term afflictions that don't need lab or blood testing. Pharmacists are also authorized to administer a variety of vaccinations.
Covered by Medicare
The provincial government covers the cost of pharmacy assessments of the following conditions for eligible residents. The only cost to the patient is any medication or treatment prescribed:
- Acne (mild)
- 12 years of age and older
- Not older than 30 years of age if new onset of acne.
- Allergic rhinitis (seasonal allergies, hay fever)
- 2 years of age or older
- Cold sores (herpes labialis)
- 12 years of age or older
- Previously diagnosed
- Contact allergic dermatitis (allergic rash)
- 2 years of age or older
- Contraception management
- Between the ages of 12 and 50
- Eczema (mild to moderate)
- 2 years of age and older
- Fungal Infections of the Skin (Ringworm, Jock Itch, Athlete's Foot)
- Tinea Corporis (Ringworm): 2 years of age or older.
- Tinea Cruris (Jock Itch): 2 years of age or older.
- Tinea Pedis (Athlete's Foot): 12 years of age or older and does not have diabetes or peripheral vascular disease (PVD).
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- 18 years of age and older
- Impetigo
- 2 years of age or older
- Oral Thrush (Oral Candidiasis)
- 1 year of age or younger, or
- 65 years of age or older, or
- between the ages of 1 and 65 years of age and has recently used antibiotics or inhaled corticosteroids.
- Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
- 1 year of age or older
- Prescription renewals
- Shingles (herpes zoster)
- 12 years of age or older
- Tick bites (Lyme disease prophylaxis)
- Presenting within 72 hours of a suspected tick bite and have no symptoms
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
- 16 years of age or older
- Previously diagnosed
Not covered by Medicare
Pharmacists in New Brunswick are trained and able to provide many other health-care services which are not currently funded by the provincial government. Therefore patients may be charged for the assessment of their condition, in addition to the cost of any medication, treatment, or vaccine prescribed.
- Calluses and Corns
- Canker Sores (oral ulcers)
- Dandruff
- Dry Eyes (Xerophthalmia)
- Emergency Contraception (ie. "the morning after pill")
- Group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis (strep throat)
- Hemorrhoids
- Hives, bug bites and stings (mild urticaria)
- Indigestion (dyspepsia)
- Menstrual and pre-menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea)
- Mild Headache
- Minor Joint Pain
- Minor Muscle Pain
- Minor Sleep Disorders
- Nausea
- Nicotine dependence
- Non-infectious Diarrhea
- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
- Threadworms and Pinworms
- Upper respiratory tract conditions (cough, nasal congestion and discharge, sore throat, fever, malaise)
- Warts (excluding facial and genital)
- Yeast Infection (vaginal candidiasis)