When Your Refill Date Falls on a Holiday
· 4 min read
If your refill lands on a day the pharmacy might be closed, plan ahead: check holiday hours, ask about early refill rules, and set a reminder.
You check the calendar and there it is: your refill date, sitting right on top of a holiday. The pharmacy might be closed, or open short hours, or open but busy with everyone else who had the same realization. Meanwhile your plans involve a big meal and a long nap, not a pharmacy run.
The good news is that a little planning a week or two ahead usually sorts this out. This post is general information, not medical advice.
Step 1: Spot the holiday early
Take a minute to look at the next couple of months and note any holidays that land near a refill date. If you keep a one-page medication list, that's a handy place to jot down when each refill is due.
Step 2: Check the pharmacy's holiday hours
Pharmacy hours on and around holidays vary, so ask your pharmacy directly or check its app. Ask about the day before and the day after too, since those can be busy. Our post on pharmacy holiday hours has more on what to ask.
Step 3: Ask about early refill rules
Whether you can pick up a refill a little early depends on your prescription, your coverage or plan, and the pharmacy's rules. The only way to know is to ask. A few questions that can help:
- "My refill date falls on a holiday. When is the earliest I can pick it up?"
- "Do I need to request it a certain number of days ahead?"
- "Is there anything I need from my prescriber first?"
If you're out of refills, the prescriber may need to send a renewal, which can take extra time around a holiday. Our post on out-of-refills prescription renewal covers that situation.
Step 4: Request it so it's ready
Once you know the timing, put in your refill request with time to spare. Our guide to requesting a refill so it's ready walks through it. Then call ahead or check the app before you go.
Step 5: Set a reminder
Holidays are full of distractions, so a reminder helps. Set one for when to request the refill and another for when to pick it up. Our post on setting your own refill reminders has a few simple ways to do it.
Here's a SAMPLE holiday refill plan:
| SAMPLE (example only) | Task | Done? |
|---|---|---|
| Two weeks before (example) | Notice the refill date lands on a holiday | Yes |
| Ten days before (example) | Ask the pharmacy about hours and early refill rules | Yes |
| One week before (example) | Request the refill and set a pickup reminder | Not yet |
| A few days before (example) | Call ahead, then pick up and do a bag check | Not yet |
Everything in this SAMPLE table is made up. Your pharmacy's hours and rules may be different.
Questions go to the pros
If you're worried about running low before you can get your refill, or you're not sure what to do, talk to your prescriber or pharmacist. They can look at your situation and help you plan.
Where The Drug Club fits
The Drug Club is a prescription membership, not insurance and not a discount card. You pay one monthly membership fee, Single or Family, and get member pricing on eligible medications at participating pharmacies.
- $0 with membership on eligible medications. Not every medication is eligible, so search yours on the Medications page.
- 800+ medications on the formulary.
- 70,000+ pharmacies participate. Confirm your pharmacy participates before your next fill.
- Single and Family membership prices are on the pricing page, and plan details are on the membership page.
FAQ
What should I do if my refill date falls on a holiday?
Check your pharmacy's holiday hours, ask whether you can pick up a little early, request the refill with time to spare, and set a reminder.
Can I always refill early before a holiday?
Not always. It depends on your prescription, your coverage or plan, and the pharmacy's rules. Ask your pharmacist what's possible.
Is The Drug Club insurance?
No. The Drug Club is a prescription membership, not insurance and not a discount card.
The short version
Spot the holiday early, check the pharmacy's hours, ask about early refill rules, request it with time to spare, and set reminders. Questions about your medication go to your prescriber or pharmacist. Then you can get back to the big meal and the long nap.
Questions: support@thedrugclub.com or (424) 375-7114.
The Drug Club is a prescription membership, not insurance and not a discount card. Eligible medications and participating pharmacies apply. This article is general information, not medical, financial, or insurance advice.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your own medications and health. The Drug Club is a prescription membership. It is not insurance and not a discount card. Questions? Email support@thedrugclub.com or call (424) 375-7114.