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Convenient, hassle-free,
100% online care for Women's Health
Taking Charge: How City Life Pharmacy is Making Contraception More Accessible for Women
At City Life Pharmacy, we believe healthcare should be simple, supportive, and centered around you. That’s why we’re proud to offer pharmacist-led contraception prescribing—an easier, more approachable way for women to take control of their reproductive health.
Why This Matters
Let’s face it—booking a doctor’s appointment for something like birth control can be time-consuming, sometimes awkward, and not always convenient. We know that contraception is a deeply personal decision, and access shouldn’t come with barriers. That’s where your local pharmacist steps in.Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals, and we’re often the most accessible members of your care team. At City Life Pharmacy, our pharmacists can now assess your needs, prescribe the right contraceptive method, and offer follow-up support—all without you ever needing to leave home.
How It Works
Getting started is easy—and entirely on your terms. Here’s how:
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Fill out a short online intake form from the comfort of your home.
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One of our pharmacists will review your information, assess your needs, and reach out if there are any questions.
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Once everything looks good, your prescription is issued, and you’re all set. We can even help you arrange delivery or pickup—whichever is easier for you.
Whether you’re starting birth control for the first time, need a repeat prescription, or want to chat about different options, we’re here to help. Our team provides:
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Consultations on birth control options (pill, patch, ring, and more)
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Personalized advice based on your health history and lifestyle
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Convenient, judgment-free care, completely online
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Fast access to prescriptions, with no doctor’s appointment required
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What is a Minor Ailment?Minor illnesses are described as health conditions that can be managed with minimal treatment and/or self-care strategies. Additional criteria include: Usually a short-term condition Lab results aren’t usually required Low risk of treatment masking an underlying condition No medication or medical history red flags that could suggest a more serious condition Only minimal or short-term follow-up is required
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How can my pharmacist help with a minor ailment?Pharmacists can assess and prescribe a prescription level medication when necessary rather than recommending a milder over- the-counter treatment for specific, less serious conditions, as outlined by the Ontario College of Pharmacists.
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Which specific minor ailments can my pharmacist assess and prescribe medications for?Minor, or common, illnesses refer to conditions that can initially be managed with non-prescription therapy, such as allergies or skin irritations. All pharmacists can assess minor illnesses symptoms and recommend self-care or over-the-counter treatments. Pharmacists in Ontario can now also prescribe medications for certain minor illnesses, as identified below: Allergic rhinitis (nasal allergies) Candidal stomatitis (oral thrush) Conjunctivitis (pink eye, bacterial, allergic and viral) Dermatitis (atopic, eczema, allergic and contact) Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, heartburn) Hemorrhoids Herpes labialis (cold sores) Impetigo Insect bites and urticaria (hives) Tick bites, post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent Lyme disease Musculoskeletal sprains and strains Urinary tract infections (uncomplicated)
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Do I need an appointment?No, you don’t need to make an appointment to speak with your pharmacist. If our store is open, you can consult with the pharmacist. We’re accessible and ready to see you.
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Do I have to pay for an assessment and prescription for minor ailments?Assessment and prescribing for minor illnesses are covered by Ontario's Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). To be eligible for this service, you’d need to have a valid Ontario Health Number.
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Will a Minor Ailments assessment always result in a prescription?After the pharmacist assesses a patient they, in conjunction with the patient, determine the appropriate course of action. This could be a prescription or a recommendation for an over-the-counter medication. If a pharmacist assesses your condition but feels it is serious or requires follow-up, he or she will refer you to a doctor for additional assessment.
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Will my doctor be informed?Yes. Pharmacists are required to inform your primary physician when they write a prescription for you.
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What if I do not have a doctor, can a pharmacist still prescribe for minor ailments?Yes. If the condition and treatment required are within pharmacists' prescribing limits, you may still receive treatment even if you do not have a doctor. This service is intended to improve access to health care.
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What happens if my minor ailment turns out to be more serious?If your illness becomes more serious or you are not seeing improvements with the medication prescribed by your pharmacist, you will be referred to your doctor for a diagnosis. Your pharmacist is trained to recognize when an illness requires additional assessment and care beyond their scope.