How to Refill a Prescription

Start Here: How to Refill a Medication

When you are prescribed medication, your provider will inform you of the number of refills allowed. This information will also be listed on your prescription bottle.

When you have seven days of medication left, it’s time to request a refill. Making the request a few days before you run out can help avoid delays. Start by contacting your pharmacy, as this is the quickest and simplest option.

If you have refills available and your medication is not a controlled substance, your pharmacy should be able to process the request. If you are out of refills, your pharmacy can contact your provider to request an additional prescription.

Step 1: Check With Your Pharmacy First

Checking with your pharmacy first can save you time. Pharmacies can see how many refills you have remaining and send a refill request directly to your provider if needed. This helps avoid extra phone calls and often gets your medication faster.

Your pharmacy can also verify that your medication is in stock, set up auto-refills and confirm prescription details. Your pharmacy can usually fill your medication within 24 hours. If you contact your provider's office directly, refill requests may take longer to process and can take up to two to three business days.

Step 2: When to Contact Your Provider Instead

In some situations, it may be better to contact your provider’s office directly rather than starting with the pharmacy.

You should contact your provider’s office if:

• You haven’t been seen in a while, and a visit is required to fill the medication
• You have questions or concerns about your medication or possible side effects
• You are out of refills for a controlled substance
• Your medication needs a change
• The pharmacy says they haven’t heard back from your provider or received provider approval
• You have no refills left on your prescription and would like the medication sent to a new pharmacy

How OSF MyChart Helps with Medication Refills

Before using OSF MyChart to refill your prescription, contact your pharmacy to see if they can help. OSF MyChart is a great tool for managing your medications and preferred pharmacies.

Send Message Requesting Refill

There are two ways to request a medication refill through OSF MyChart.

• Click on the “Medications” tab and select the medication you need to refill from the list of your medications. Click “Request refill.” If you use multiple pharmacies, make sure you choose the appropriate one.
• Click on “Messages” → “Send a message” → “Refill a medication” and you will be directed to the “Medications” page listed above.

Verify Current Medications

In the “Medications” section, review your current medications and ensure all information, including doses, is correct. If you find an error, send a note to your provider through the message option at the bottom of the page.

Refills usually take two to three business days to process when making the request through OSF MyChart. Your provider will notify you once there is an update.

What to Expect After You Request a Refill

For standard prescription refills, contacting your pharmacy is usually the quickest option, and many refills can be ready within 24 hours, depending on medication availability and insurance approval. Requests sent through OSF MyChart go to your provider for review and usually take two to three business days.