Minor Ailments and Contraception Service (MACS)
*effective June 1, 2023*
Pharmacists in BC are now able to prescribe for contraception and many minor ailments*. They may include:
- Mild acne
- Allergies (allergic rhinitis)
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
- Skin rash (dermatitis)
- Menstrual pain
- Indigestion (upset stomach)
- Heartburn (acid reflux)
- Fungal infections
- Headaches
- Hemorrhoids
- Cold sores
- Impetigo
- Oral ulcers (canker sores)
- Oral fungal infections (thrush)
- Musculoskeletal pain (sore joints/muscles)
- Nicotine dependence
- Shingles
- Threadworms or pinworms
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infection
- Itching, including from bug bites
- Vaginal candidiasis (yeast infection)
*please note that we may not be prescribing for all ailments listed above.
A pharmacist may only make a diagnosis or prescribe for one of these conditions if the patient’s symptoms indicate that the condition:
- Presents a low risk of masking an underlying disease, disorder or condition
- Can be readily diagnosed without the need for laboratory or imaging tests
- Can be reasonably expected to resolve with only short-term or episodic treatment.
Do you qualify for the service?
To determine if you are eligible for this service and to learn more about each ailment, you may wish to complete the provincial government self-assessment survey.
Appointments
Please note that we will only be offering scheduled appointments with minimal walk-in appointments. Please call the pharmacy to check availability.
You can book your appointment online here:
https://www.bookapharmacist.gov.bc.ca/s/
For more details about the BC Minor Ailments and Contraception Service you can visit the BC Pharmacy Association website at seeyourpharmacist.ca