Q&A
Can I Pick Up a New Prescription if the Dosage has Changed?
Justin2006 posted a question on May 3, 2012, asking if he could pick up a refill of his medication after the dosage had changed from 1mg three times daily to 1mg five times daily. Here are some of the responses he received:
Judyrae59 replied on March 31, 2022, saying that in her experience, if the dosage or quantity is changed by the doctor, it is considered a new prescription and the pharmacy will fill it.
MR-D commented on June 26, 2020, that if the medication dosage is increased, a new prescription can be filled immediately.
Lmscott90 responded on February 2, 2019, stating that if the directions and quantity are different, it is officially considered a new prescription and can be picked up immediately. However, some pharmacies may be stricter than others due to it being a controlled substance.
Samantha murillo said on November 23, 2018, that if the doctor has given a higher quantity or changed how often the medication should be taken, the new prescription can be filled.
Nitro061 recommended asking the pharmacist first before trying to fill a new prescription if the dosage has been increased.
Gort oregano replied on October 4, 2018, that a new prescription can be filled as long as it is a different mg or amount.
WildcatVet commented on August 28, 2017, that pharmacies have always filled new prescriptions as per the doctor’s orders. However, benzodiazepines are only indicated for short-term use and can cause addiction and other negative side effects with extended use.
Barbarathebarqueen said on April 15, 2017, that some doctors and pharmacies may put a time limit on refills, so it may be necessary to wait until the previous prescription runs out.
HopefullyHelpful replied on July 15, 2015, advising Justin2006 to take the new prescription to the pharmacy and ask if it can be filled.
Chuck1957 suggested waiting until the previous prescription is low enough before trying to fill the new one, as insurance companies may not pay for it if it is too early.
ArleneFKT said on July 15, 2015, that it is best to take the new prescription to the pharmacy and see if it can be filled.
OliviaB commented on February 12, 2015, that Walgreens has filled new prescriptions for her in the past.
KidBristol shared their experience with a changed prescription and stated that insurance will fill a new prescription if the dosage has been changed.
DzooBaby replied on May 3, 2012, that it may not be possible to fill the new prescription immediately, but it should be possible once the previous prescription has been taken for the appropriate amount of time.
NewYorkGuy44 suggested trying a different drugstore if the current one will not fill the new prescription.