Frequently Asked Questions

General

  1. How do I know if a prescription is refillable?
  2. Can my written prescriptions become invalid over time?
  3. I have refills remaining on an invalid prescription. Can I still refill this prescription?
  4. Is it safe to take a medication that is past the expiration date?
  5. How should I go about renewing a prescription that is out of refills and/or invalid?
  6. How do I order a prescription that was filed for later use?
  7. Can you help me with drug and insurance-related issues?
  8. Can I have prescriptions transferred to you from another drug store, or vice versa?
  9. How do I setup a new account?
  10. What if I have a question not addressed by this FAQ?

Ordering by Phone

  1. How do I request refills by phone?
  2. When calling in my prescription order verbally, what information should I have ready?
  3. I think I pressed a wrong button on the VoiceTech system! How do I fix this?
  4. Is there an option on VoiceTech for ordering prescriptions on file?
  5. Why does the VoiceTech system keep listing a wrong phone number for me?

Ordering Online

  1. How do I request refills online?
  2. I don't have my presciption number(s) available. Can I still refill online?

Delivery

  1. How does delivery work?
  2. I requested to have something delivered; when can I expect delivery?

General

1. How do I know if a prescription is refillable?

The number of usable refills you currently have can be located on your prescription bottle label as well as your prescription receipt. For example, the remaining refills on your prescription bottle label can be confirmed by locating the highlighted phrase “____ refills until ____" near the bottom left of the label. If this information is unavailable to you, or you would just rather ask us personally, please feel free to call, fax or e-mail us, and one of our staff members will be happy to assist you. Go to the top.

2. Can my written prescriptions become invalid over time?

In accordance with FDA regulations, no prescribed medication can be continuously dispensed without renewal. Non-controlled prescriptions remain valid, hence refillable, until one year after the date they are written by your doctor. Controlled substances have only a six month refill allowance. Narcotics must be renewed every refill. To locate the date a prescription refill was written, simply locate "ORIG," and that date which follows, in the top right corner of your prescription bottle. If you are unsure as to the classification of your particular prescription drug, or if any of this information is unavailable, please contact us by phone, fax, or e-mail. Go to the top.

Please Note: The validity of a written prescription is not to be confused with the prescription's expiration date, which refers to the date that the medication itself will have lost most of its potency.

3. I have refills remaining on an invalid prescription. Can I still refill this prescription?

Unfortunately, no. In order for a pharmacy to be able to sell prescription drugs lawfully, the presciption must meet both of the following criteria: refillable and valid. All remaining refills are null and void should your prescription "expire" before you get to use them. Go to the top.

4. Is it safe to take a medication that is past the expiration date?

This a question that is somewhat debated in the medical community. The general consensus, however, is that most (not all) medications may be safely consumed after the expiration date, up to a period several years even, though at the cost of its intended potency and usefulness. We do not recommend the consumption of expired medication. It is in your best interest to simply renew the medication to avoid any unwanted complications. Go to the top.

5. How should I go about renewing a prescription that is out of refills and/or invalid?

When calling in refill orders by phone, our automated voicemail system (VoiceTech) will inform you whether or not your prescription can be refilled and will give you the option to let us contact your doctor, or to let you contact him/her yourself. Usually, it is unnecessary to contact your doctor yourself unless you are in serious need of your prescription(s). We also accept refill authorization requests verbally, or by fax or e-mail.

Please Note: We are unable to actually speak with your doctor personally. All refill requests are either faxed to your doctor's office or left on their voicemail. Requests generally take between 24-72 hours to elicit a response from your doctor’s office (depending on the office). If your refill request is an emergency, we recommend that YOU contact your doctor! Go to the top.

6. How do I order a prescription that was filed for later use?

Prescriptions that have been put “on hold” may be ordered by phone (verbally only), fax, e-mail, or online, just as you might a normal prescription. However, instead of giving us the prescription number, please just provide the prescription name (or a description if you do not know the name) and inform us that it has been filed/put on hold (this is method is necessary due to the fact that “on hold” prescriptions are assigned new prescription numbers when transferred to our computer system - calling in your old prescription number(s), therefore, might result in us inadvertently calling your doctor for additional refills). Go to the top.

7. Can you help me with drug and insurance-related issues?

Our pharmacy staff can generally provide on-site consultations anytime during normal business hours – extremely busy times are the exception. Appointments are not necessary, though appreciated. Although insurance problems are probably best directed toward your insurance company, our pharmacists will be happy to assist you with their wide range of experience and expertise. Due to the large numbers of factors that exist with these issues, we cannot address any specific problems in this FAQ. However, you may call, fax, or e-mail us at ANY time and we will respond directly or return your inquiry as soon as possible. Go to the top.

8.Can I have prescriptions transferred to you from another drug store, or vice versa?

Of course! Please just provide us with the name of the pharmacy, the pharmacy's telephone number, the prescription name(s) or number(s), and the nature of the transfer (i.e. from us to them, or them to us).

Please Note: Controlled medications may only be transferred ONCE. Narcotics may NOT BE TRANSFERRED, so please choose your pharmacy wisely in this regard. Go to the top.

9. How do I setup a new account?

We want you to know how much we appreciate you choosing us, first of all! Please just contact us and provide us with the following information: your name, birthdate, permanent address, phone number, insurance information (you may either fax / e-mail a copy of the card, or bring it to us personally), prescription allegies (if applicable), any prescriptions you would like transferred from another pharmacy (if applicable), and your e-mail address (not required). If you have any questions or concerns, many of which may be addressed by this F.A.Q., you are welcome to contact us at anytime - and, once again, THANK YOU! Go to the top.

10.What if I have a question not addressed by this FAQ?

No problem! We will happily respond to any questions, concerns, issues, or anything else you require via phone, fax, e-mail, or on-site consultation. We are here to help! Go to the top.

Ordering by Phone

1. How do I request refills by phone?

VoiceTech is the automated voicemail system for Walker’s Drug Store that records refills orders by phone. It can be accessed at any time of day, even after closing. To leave prescription orders, simply follow the verbal prompts and you will be informed when your prescription(s) will be available for pick-up/delivery. If you do not have your prescription number available, or you simply wish to speak with us personally, you may press “3” at anytime during your call and you will be transferred to the first available staff member. Go to the top.

2. When calling in my prescription order verbally, what information should I have ready?

First, please be sure that your prescription has refills available and/or is valid. Please refer to this F.A.Q. if you are unsure of these criteria. Second, please provide the person to whom you are speaking with your name, the prescription number(s) you wish refilled (or the name/description of the prescriptions), any over-the-counter (OTC) items you would like included in your order (if applicable), whether said item(s) is/are pick-up or delivery, and any special instructions/questions you may have. Third, we would very much appreciate if you would inform us if your telephone number, address, insurance information, or any other pertinent information has recently changed! Go to the top.

3.I think I pressed a wrong button on the VoiceTech system! How do I fix this?

No problem. Please just give us a call and we will be happy to verify your VoiceTech order. Better safe than sorry! Go to the top.

4. Is there an option on VoiceTech for ordering prescriptions on file?

At this time, our VoiceTech system is incapable of distinguishing between refills and new prescriptions orders. You may, however, call and speak with one of our staff, fax, or order online. Please see this FAQ for further details about "on hold" prescriptions. Go to the top.

5. Why does the VoiceTech system keep listing a wrong phone number for me?

When we switched to our new computer system earlier this year, it came with some problems. To correct this problem, we would be unduly grateful to all customers who have heard this message to please call and speak with a staff member so we may correct your profile in our computer! If you have experienced this glitch, we sincerely apologize and thank you for your patience in this matter. Go to the top.

Ordering Online

1. How do I request refills online?

When ordering online, simply press the “Online Refills” link conveniently located on our website. Provide your name, phone number, email address, prescription numbers, pick-up/delivery, and any additional comments your wish to add to your order – i.e. over-the-counter items, special instructions, and questions or concerns. Afterward, simply press the link entitled “Send Refill”. Go to the top.

2. I don’t have my prescription number(s) available. Can I still refill online?

Absolutely. Instead of entering your prescription number(s), enter the name of the prescription(s) into the same field that you enter in the prescription number(s) - please include the name, strength, and quantity. If neither the name nor the refill number is available to you, you are welcome to describe the drug(s) (i.e. what the medicine treats, color & shape, last refill date, etc.) in the refill field and we will try our best to match the refill with the information provided.

Note: Your insurance company may only allow a certain quantity of your prescription to be covered per month.Go to the top.

Delivery

1. How does delivery work?

Walker's Drug Store provides an inexpensive delivery service for those without transportation, or even to those who just don’t have time to stop by the store (even though we love to see you!). You may request delivery during all order methods, whether via phone, fax, or online. The delivery fee is a $2.50 flat rate (once per delivery) and can be paid for along with your order, or separately if desired. Delivery is not charged for individuals living at nursing homes! Our delivery radius varies, but generally includes the immediate Charlotte area. Please call to verify that your address is within our delivery radius! Same-day deliveries must be placed before 5:00 PM on weekdays and 12:00 PM on Saturdays. Payment is accepted as VISA/MC/DISCOVER. If you have special delivery instructions (i.e. where to put the delivery, gate codes, calling before we deliver, etc.), please do so when you place your order. Go to the top.

2. I requested to have something delivered; when can I expect delivery?

We have only two full-time delivery drivers to shoulder all our deliveries – and we have many, many deliveries per day. Prescriptions ordered to be delivered before the cut-off times (see above) will be delivered same day, assuming there are no difficulties filling your prescription(s). Generally, deliveries can be expected to arrive 2-3 hours after your request. If your delivery is an EMERGENCY, we will work with you to ensure you receive it within the allotted time - please indicate so during your order. Go to the top.

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