Minor ailment assessment and prescribing in Burnaby

What minor ailment prescribing covers

Since June 2023, pharmacists in British Columbia have been able to assess and prescribe for a list of minor ailments set by the province, and separately to assess and prescribe contraception. The complete list follows. If what you have is not on it, we will tell you plainly and point you to the right place.

The 21 minor ailments a BC pharmacist can prescribe for

• Acne, mild
• Allergic rhinitis
• Conjunctivitis, allergic, bacterial or viral
• Dermatitis, including atopic, contact, diaper and seborrheic
• Dysmenorrhea, painful periods
• Dyspepsia, indigestion
• Fungal infections of the skin and nails
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease, acid reflux
• Headache
• Hemorrhoids
• Herpes labialis, cold sores
• Impetigo
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Nicotine dependence
• Oral ulcers, canker sores
• Oropharyngeal candidiasis, oral thrush
• Shingles, herpes zoster
• Threadworms and pinworms
• Urinary tract infection, uncomplicated
• Urticaria, including hives and insect bites
• Vaginal candidiasis, yeast infection

Contraception

Pharmacists can also assess for and prescribe contraception, including oral, transdermal, injectable and vaginal ring options, as well as emergency contraception.

The province updates this list from time to time. Checked against Province of British Columbia and BC Pharmacy Association materials in August 2026.

The provincial list is updated periodically. Call us with what is going on and we will tell you in a minute whether it is something we can handle or something that needs a physician.

How an assessment works

1. You describe the problem. In person or on the phone. No appointment required, though calling ahead saves you a wait.
2. The pharmacist assesses you. A structured set of questions, and a look at the affected area where that is appropriate and private.
3. We prescribe, recommend, or refer. If treatment is right, we prescribe and dispense it there and then. If it is not a minor ailment, we tell you plainly and point you to the right care.
4. We follow up. We document the assessment, notify your family physician where appropriate, and check that it worked.

What it costs

Minor ailment assessments are covered by PharmaCare for eligible BC residents, which for most people means no charge for the assessment itself. The medication is billed as usual against your coverage. We will confirm both before we do anything.

A pharmacy next to a clinic

NovaMed Medical Clinic operates at the same address as a separate, independently owned business. If your condition turns out to need a physician, we will say so and you are free to see any doctor or attend any clinic you choose. We do not receive anything for referring you, and you are never required to fill a prescription with us.