Pharmacy delivery if you can't drive after an injury

How it generally works

First, the rule that matters most: never drive against your doctor's advice or while a medication impairs you. That includes driving just a short distance to the pharmacy. Being impaired or physically limited behind the wheel puts you and others at risk.

With pharmacy delivery, your doctor sends your prescription to a pharmacy that delivers, and the medication is delivered to your door. You don't need to carry a paper prescription. If your injury happened at work or in a car accident, the pharmacy will usually need claim details to process it.

Rules differ by state and by claim, and some medications can't be sent by mail. But for many people, delivery fills the gap until they're cleared to drive again.

Driving restrictions come from different places. A surgeon may say no driving while you're in a sling or boot. A neurologist may restrict driving after a concussion. A medication label may warn against driving or operating machinery. All of them count, even if you feel fine.

• Never drive against your doctor's advice
• Never drive while a medication impairs you
• Your doctor sends the prescription to a delivery pharmacy
• Medication is delivered to your door

Questions to ask

Ask your doctor whether your prescription can be sent to a delivery pharmacy. While you're there, ask when you might be cleared to drive, and whether any of your medications affect driving.

If your injury is covered by a claim, ask your adjuster or insurer whether there are any pharmacy requirements.

• Doctor: Can my prescription be sent to a pharmacy that delivers?
• Doctor: When might I be able to drive again?
• Pharmacist: Does this medication affect driving?
• Pharmacist: What happens if I'm not able to get to the door quickly?
• Adjuster or insurer: Does my claim have pharmacy requirements?

What to have ready

If you can't drive, you may also have trouble getting to the door. Think about where packages are left and whether a neighbour or family member can help.

Keep your claim details and a current phone number handy so the pharmacy can reach you.

• Current delivery address, including apartment or unit number
• A phone number where you can be reached
• Claim number and adjuster's contact for a work or auto injury
• A list of your medications and allergies
• A backup person who can help if needed

About the Prescriptions.plus Home Delivery Program

Prescriptions.plus is an educational site, not a pharmacy. Through the Prescriptions.plus Home Delivery Program, doctors can send prescriptions to our licensed partner pharmacy, and medication is dispensed by our licensed partner pharmacy and delivered to the patient's door.

Ask your doctor whether your prescription can be sent to our partner pharmacy. A $5 dispensing fee applies, and a delivery fee applies. Eligibility depends on the prescription, the doctor and the claim.

Some medications, such as Schedule II controlled substances, may not be available by mail — your partner pharmacy will advise. The prescribing doctor decides refills.

Asking friends and family for rides is fine for an occasional appointment, but it gets harder when prescriptions change often during recovery. Delivery can take that one recurring errand off their list.

If something goes wrong

If a prescription can't be delivered, ask whether a family member or friend can pick it up for you. Many pharmacies allow that, sometimes with your permission.

If you're running low and delivery is held up, call your doctor's office. Don't be tempted to drive yourself if you've been told not to.

If you feel faint, confused, very drowsy or have trouble breathing after taking a medication, get help. Medical emergency? Call 911.