Minor Ailments – Prescribing Pharmacist
Pharmacists in Ontario can now assess and prescribe for many minor ailments. At Leslie Medical Pharmacy, our prescribing pharmacist can help with short-term, non-urgent conditions that don’t always require a doctor’s visit.
During your visit, we’ll review your symptoms, medical history, and current medications, then recommend self-care, over-the-counter options, or prescribe when appropriate. If we see any red flags, we’ll refer you to your doctor, a walk-in clinic, or the emergency department as needed.
No appointment is usually required – just speak with the pharmacist at the counter, or call us ahead to ask about availability and what to bring.
Minor Ailments We Can Help With
Pharmacists in Ontario are currently authorized to prescribe for the following 19 minor ailments:
- Acne (mild)
- Allergic rhinitis (nasal allergies)
- Aphthous ulcers (canker sores)
- Candidal stomatitis (oral thrush)
- Conjunctivitis (bacterial, allergic, or viral)
- Dermatitis (atopic/eczema, allergic, or contact)
- Diaper dermatitis
- Dysmenorrhea (painful periods)
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD / heartburn)
- Hemorrhoids
- Herpes labialis (cold sores)
- Impetigo (mild skin infection)
- Insect bites and urticaria (hives)
- Tick bites – antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent Lyme disease
- Musculoskeletal sprains and strains
- Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy
- Pinworms and threadworms
- Urinary tract infections (uncomplicated)
- Vulvovaginal candidiasis (yeast infection)
Minor ailments are generally short-term conditions that can be managed with minimal treatment and self-care, where lab tests are not usually required and the risk of masking a more serious illness is low.
What to bring
- Your health card or photo ID
- A list of your current medications and allergies
- Any recent test results or information from your doctor (if you have them)
How the visit works
- Short assessment with the pharmacist
- Discussion of treatment options and when to seek further care
- Prescription issued when appropriate and filled on-site
Have questions?
If you’re not sure whether your symptoms fit one of these minor ailments, call us at (416) 498-4800 and ask to speak with the pharmacist. We’ll help you decide the best next step.