Medication & Prescription Tips

This page is designed to help patients understand how to safely and efficiently manage medications at Villa Nova Medical Clinic.

Clear communication helps prevent delays and ensures accurate prescribing.

Before Your Appointment

To help your provider review your medications safely, please come prepared with:

  • A current list of all medications, including:

    • Medication name

    • Dose

    • How often you take it

  • Over-the-counter medications and supplements

  • Any known medication allergies or past side effects

Please avoid saying “it’s in my chart.”
Being familiar with your medications helps ensure safe and accurate care.

Prescription Renewals

  • Prescription renewals generally require an appointment

  • Please request renewals before you run out of medication

  • Same-day or urgent renewal requests cannot be guaranteed

Some medications may require:

  • An in-person assessment

  • Periodic monitoring (e.g., bloodwork, blood pressure, urine testing)

  • Updated clinical review before renewal

When to Book an Appointment vs. When to Ask the Pharmacy

When to Book an Appointment

  • Your medication has no refills remaining

  • You have new or worsening symptoms

  • Your dose needs adjustment

  • Monitoring or follow-up is overdue

  • You are requesting a controlled medication

  • Your provider has requested follow-up before renewing

When to Ask Your Pharmacy

  • You have active refills remaining

  • You need clarification about:

    • Timing

    • Packaging

    • Generic substitution

  • Your pharmacy needs to send a routine refill request

  • You are checking refill eligibility

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Please request refills at least 5–7 days before running out of medication.

If you’re unsure, booking an appointment is the safest option.

Controlled Medications

  • Certain medications are subject to additional safeguards, including:

    • Opioids

    • Benzodiazepines

    • Stimulants

    Important points:

    • Controlled substances must be prescribed and renewed by your primary provider

    • Other clinic physicians do not renew controlled medications

    • Medication agreements may be required

    • Lost, stolen, or early refill requests may not be approved

Antibiotics & Short-Term Medications

  • Antibiotics are prescribed only when clinically indicated
  • Not all infections require antibiotics

  • Previous antibiotic use or what worked for someone else does not guarantee the same treatment

Testing or examination may be required before prescribing.

Refills Without an Appointment

In limited circumstances, short-term renewals may be considered at your provider’s discretion.

Please note:

  • This is not guaranteed

  • Typically limited to a short supply only

  • May involve a non-insured fee

  • Not available for controlled substances

Pharmacy Tips

  • Choose one primary pharmacy whenever possible

  • Ensure your pharmacy has your current contact information

  • Allow time for pharmacies to process refill requests

  • Refill requests sent late in the day or after hours may be delayed

After-Hours Medication Requests

After-hours care is not intended for routine prescription renewals.

If you are out of medication:

  • Contact your pharmacy during business hours when possible

  • Plan ahead to avoid urgent requests

  • For urgent symptoms, seek appropriate emergency or urgent care

Your Role in Safe Prescribing

Patients are expected to:

  • Take medications as prescribed

  • Attend required follow-up appointments

  • Complete recommended monitoring or testing

  • Communicate changes, side effects, or concerns promptly

Safe prescribing is a shared responsibility between patient and provider.

Questions About Medications

If you have questions about your medications:

  • Discuss them during your appointment

  • Use approved clinic communication channels

  • Avoid using social media or informal messaging