I have had a urinary tract infection for 72 hours and it seemed to me that pharmacists could help us and offer a pill for this that does not require a prescription? Am I wrong?

Question

I went to two different pharmacies and at both places, I was told that I had to see my doctor, that "emergencies" were to be avoided in such a case! It is impossible for me to get an appointment with my doctor in the next few days. Thank you for your attention!

Marie-France Nicole · Accepted Answer

You are probably referring to the new acts of pharmacists, in particular the prescribing of certain drugs to treat certain minor conditions. Pharmacists are allowed to prescribe for urinary tract infections in women under certain conditions: you must have been diagnosed with a urinary tract infection within the last year and have a prescription for an antibiotic from a physician. In addition, the pharmacist must also assess your symptoms, your health condition, and other medications you are taking before deciding if it is safe for you to prescribe an antibiotic. So, if you have not been diagnosed by a doctor in the last year with a prescription for a urinary tract infection, the pharmacist is not authorized to prescribe an antibiotic. You must therefore see a doctor, probably without an appointment.