University Student in Ontario? Get Common Conditions Treated Online

You have moved into residence, your family doctor is back home, and the campus clinic is booked for days. Then a UTI, a flare of cold sores or an itchy red eye shows up mid-term. For many everyday conditions, you do not need to wait - a licensed Ontario pharmacist can assess you online.

What can a pharmacist help with?

Ontario pharmacists can assess and, when appropriate, prescribe for a list of common minor ailments. Some that often come up for students include an uncomplicated urinary tract infection, pink eye, cold sores, mild acne, yeast infections and menstrual cramps. You can see the full list on our conditions page.

How does it work?

You pick your condition and answer a short questionnaire from your phone or laptop - no app to download and no appointment. A pharmacist licensed by the Ontario College of Pharmacists reviews it and follows up within 24 business hours (our average is about 5 minutes). If treatment is appropriate, they can send a prescription to a pharmacy near campus. A prescription is only provided when it is clinically appropriate and is never guaranteed; sometimes the best advice is self-care, an over-the-counter option or a referral.

Is it free?

The assessment is free with a valid Ontario health card. If you do not have one - common for out-of-province and international students - it is a flat $30. Medication is billed at its usual price, and your student or family drug plan may cover it.

When to see a doctor instead

Online pharmacist care is for minor ailments, not emergencies. Call 911 or go to an emergency department for chest pain, trouble breathing, a high fever with a stiff neck, severe pain, or thoughts of harming yourself. With a urinary infection, see a doctor if you have fever, back or side pain, or vomiting, as these can mean a kidney infection.

How to start

Save pharmly.ca/conditions for the next time something comes up, or start a UTI assessment now if that is what you are dealing with.