How to Transfer Your Prescription to a New Pharmacy

How does a standard prescription transfer work?

Contact your new pharmacy — in person, by phone, or through their app — and provide the name, address, and phone number of your current pharmacy, along with the medication name and dose you want transferred.

The new pharmacy calls your current pharmacy to request the transfer. Your current pharmacy provides the prescription information and deducts the transferred fills from any remaining refills. The new pharmacy then has the prescription on file and can fill it. The whole process often takes just a few hours. You do not need to contact your doctor for non-controlled medications 1Ref 1Drug Enforcement Administration / U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (2023).21 CFR § 1306.25 — Transfer Between Pharmacies of Prescription Information for Schedules III, IV, and V Controlled Substances for Refill Purposes.Federal rule governing controlled substance prescription transfers: Schedule III–V permitted once between pharmacies for refills; Schedule II cannot be transferred; communication must be directly between two licensed pharmacists.

Can you transfer a controlled substance prescription?

For refill purposes, 21 CFR § 1306.25 allows transfer of Schedule III, IV, and V controlled substance prescriptions between pharmacies, but only on a one-time basis — and only if the transfer occurs directly between two licensed pharmacists 1Ref 1Drug Enforcement Administration / U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (2023).21 CFR § 1306.25 — Transfer Between Pharmacies of Prescription Information for Schedules III, IV, and V Controlled Substances for Refill Purposes.Federal rule governing controlled substance prescription transfers: Schedule III–V permitted once between pharmacies for refills; Schedule II cannot be transferred; communication must be directly between two licensed pharmacists. Schedule II medications (such as most opioid pain medications including oxycodone, hydrocodone, and amphetamines) cannot be transferred at all; a new prescription from your prescribing clinician is required 1Ref 1Drug Enforcement Administration / U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (2023).21 CFR § 1306.25 — Transfer Between Pharmacies of Prescription Information for Schedules III, IV, and V Controlled Substances for Refill Purposes.Federal rule governing controlled substance prescription transfers: Schedule III–V permitted once between pharmacies for refills; Schedule II cannot be transferred; communication must be directly between two licensed pharmacists.

Newer rule (2023): A DEA final rule issued in 2023 allows one-time electronic transfer of Schedule II–V controlled substance prescriptions between pharmacies for initial filling in certain circumstances 2Ref 2Drug Enforcement Administration (2023).Transfer of Electronic Prescriptions for Schedules II–V Controlled Substances Between Pharmacies for Initial Filling.2023 DEA final rule permitting one-time electronic transfer of Schedule II–V controlled substance prescriptions between retail pharmacies for initial dispensing, if allowable under state law. In practice, this means it is worth asking your pharmacy what is possible — the answer depends on the schedule of your medication, whether it has already been filled, and your state's laws.

If your prescription falls into a category that cannot be transferred, contact your prescribing clinician and ask them to send a new prescription to your preferred pharmacy. Your clinician's office can usually do this electronically.

What should you check before initiating a transfer?

Remaining refills. Ask your current pharmacy how many refills remain — you can only transfer what is left 1Ref 1Drug Enforcement Administration / U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (2023).21 CFR § 1306.25 — Transfer Between Pharmacies of Prescription Information for Schedules III, IV, and V Controlled Substances for Refill Purposes.Federal rule governing controlled substance prescription transfers: Schedule III–V permitted once between pharmacies for refills; Schedule II cannot be transferred; communication must be directly between two licensed pharmacists.

Insurance coverage. Verify that your insurance plan covers prescriptions filled at the new pharmacy. Some plans have preferred pharmacy networks, and using an out-of-network pharmacy may cost significantly more or require prior authorization.

Mail-order option. If your insurer offers a mail-order benefit for 90-day supplies, check whether your medication is eligible — mail order often provides a lower cost per fill for long-term medications.

State-specific rules. Some states allow only one transfer; others allow more for non-controlled medications. Your pharmacist can tell you the specific rules that apply in your state 1Ref 1Drug Enforcement Administration / U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (2023).21 CFR § 1306.25 — Transfer Between Pharmacies of Prescription Information for Schedules III, IV, and V Controlled Substances for Refill Purposes.Federal rule governing controlled substance prescription transfers: Schedule III–V permitted once between pharmacies for refills; Schedule II cannot be transferred; communication must be directly between two licensed pharmacists.

What if the transfer is delayed or runs into a problem?

If you are running low on medication, let both pharmacies know — most treat low-supply situations as a priority. If there is a discrepancy or refusal to transfer, contact your prescribing clinician's office; they can often resolve the issue or send a new prescription directly.

Do not stop taking a prescribed medication because of a transfer delay without first speaking to your clinician. Abrupt discontinuation of certain medications — including antidepressants, beta-blockers, and antiepileptics — can cause medically significant withdrawal or rebound effects 3Ref 3MedlinePlus / U.S. National Library of Medicine (2024).Taking Multiple Medicines Safely.Patient guidance to not stop medications without consulting a provider; abrupt discontinuation of certain drugs can cause significant withdrawal or rebound effects.