New Canadian EnglishLessons / Lesson 2
Lesson 2
At the Pharmacy
Sam takes his prescription to the pharmacy. Learn how to drop off a prescription, talk about your drug plan, ask how to take your medicine, and pay at the counter.
Part 1: Dropping Off
MayaSam has his prescription from Doctor Lee. Now he goes to the pharmacy. Let's listen.
PharmacistHi there. Are you dropping off or picking up?
SamI'm dropping off a prescription, please.
PharmacistSure. Is this your first time at this pharmacy?
SamYes, it is. I just moved here.
PharmacistNo problem. I'll create a profile for you. Can I see your health card, please?
SamHere it is.
PharmacistThank you. Do you have any allergies?
SamYes, I'm allergic to penicillin.
PharmacistThanks, I'll make a note of that. Do you have a drug plan or any insurance?
SamNo, I don't. Is this covered by OHIP?
PharmacistOHIP doesn't usually cover prescriptions for adults, so you'll pay here at the counter. It will be ready in about fifteen minutes.
SamOkay, I'll wait. Thank you.
Key phrases: Dropping Off
Press play to hear Maya explain each phrase.
"Are you dropping off or picking up?"
drop off = give your prescription · pick up = get your medicine
- Look for the DROP OFF and PICK UP signs
"I'm dropping off a prescription."
= you are giving them your doctor's note
- Say it when you arrive at the counter
"Is this your first time here?"
= the pharmacy will make a profile for you
- Name · date of birth · health card · allergies
"Do you have a drug plan?"
drug plan = insurance that helps pay for medicine
- Many people get one through work
- "No, I don't have a drug plan."
"Is this covered by OHIP?"
covered = paid for
- OHIP pays for doctor visits — most adults pay for prescriptions
- Age 24 or younger, no private plan? OHIP+ can help
"It will be ready in ___."
= when you can pick up your medicine
- It will be ready in one hour.
- It will be ready tomorrow.
"I'll wait." / "I'll come back later."
= two easy ways to answer
- I'll wait = stay at the pharmacy
- I'll come back later = leave and return
Part 2: Picking Up
MayaFifteen minutes later, Sam's medicine is ready. Listen to the pharmacist's advice.
PharmacistSam? Your prescription is ready. Can you confirm your date of birth?
SamSure. March 5th, 2000.
PharmacistGreat. This is your antibiotic. Don't worry, it's not a penicillin.
SamGood. How should I take it?
PharmacistTake one capsule twice a day, in the morning and at night, with food.
SamDo I need to finish all of it?
PharmacistYes. Finish all of it, even if you feel better.
SamAre there any side effects?
PharmacistSome people get an upset stomach. If you get a rash or have trouble breathing, get help right away.
SamOkay. Are there any refills?
PharmacistNo refills. If you need more, talk to your doctor.
SamHow much is it?
PharmacistIt's eighteen fifty. Would you like a receipt?
SamYes, please. Can I pay by debit?
PharmacistOf course. Just tap your card here. If you have any questions, call us anytime. Feel better, Sam!
SamThank you so much.
Key phrases: Picking Up
"Your prescription is ready."
= you can pick up your medicine now
- They often ask your date of birth to check it's you
"How should I take it?"
= the most important question at the pharmacy
- How much · how often · when
"Take it with food."
= eat something when you take your medicine
- on an empty stomach = before you eat
"Do I need to finish all of it?"
= should I take every pill?
- Some medicines: yes · some: no — always ask
"Are there any side effects?"
side effect = an unwanted effect of a medicine
- upset stomach · feeling sleepy
"Are there any refills?"
refill = more medicine without a new doctor visit
- Your label shows how many refills you have
"Can I pay by debit?"
tap = touch your card on the machine
- "Can I pay by credit card?"
"Would you like a receipt?"
say yes — keep your receipts!
- You may claim medical expenses on your taxes
- A drug plan may pay you back
Ontario tip
Pharmacists can check and treat some common problems, like pink eye or a cold sore. The visit is free with your health card. Ask: "Can the pharmacist look at this?"
Your turn
You are Sam. Listen to the question, say your answer out loud, then check Sam's answer.
PHARMACIST
Hi there. Are you dropping off or picking up?
I'm dropping off a prescription.
PHARMACIST
Do you have a drug plan?
No, I don't. Is this covered by OHIP?
PHARMACIST
Take it twice a day, with food.
Do I need to finish all of it?
PHARMACIST
Do you have any questions?
Are there any side effects?
PHARMACIST
It's eighteen fifty.
Yes, please. Can I pay by debit?
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All 15 phrases from this lesson, ready to print or keep on your phone.