Refills vs. renewals

Prescription labels include more than just the name and dosage. They also list key details that can affect when and how to get the next supply of medication. One of the most common sources of confusion, is the difference between a refill and a renewal. A refill means the provider has already given the pharmacy permission to dispense more of the medication, often for a set number of fills. Once those run out, a renewal is needed, which means the provider needs to issue a new prescription, before the pharmacy can fill it again. “Patients are sometimes surprised to learn they’re out of refills, when they try to reorder a medication,” said Olivia Bishop, pharmacy resident. “It’s a good idea to check how many refills you have left, before running low, so you have time to follow up, if needed.” It’s also important to check the expiration date printed on the label. “The expiration date isn’t just a formality,” said Bishop. “It helps ensure the medication is still working, as intended. After that point, its effectiveness may start to decline.” Some labels also include a description of the pill’s shape, size or color. That can be helpful, if medication looks different than usual, which can happen if the pharmacy fills it with a different manufacturer’s version. “If something looks unfamiliar or doesn’t match what you’ve had before, contact your pharmacist or provider,” said Bishop. “We want patients to feel confident and safe when taking their medications.”