Pharmacies in Vancouver For Expats

In Canada, many medications are available by prescription only, which means you must have a valid prescription from a local doctor in order to purchase them from drug store or pharmacies. Non-prescription medications include the usual pain-killers, creams and ointments for skin problems (includes antibiotic cream), allergy and cold medications, stomach and digestive medications, and the like.

Cortisone cream is available over-the-counter, but only as hydrocortisone at a 0.5% concentration. Antibiotics, or preparations containing antibiotics are strictly controlled in Canada, and the only medication containing antibiotics that is available over-the-counter is polysporin antibiotic ointment for cuts and scrapes and minor skin infections. Narcotics are also strictly controlled and you need a prescription to buy any medication containing these drugs (in some countries a very weak form of Valium is sold over-the-counter, but not in Canada).

Foreign prescriptions will not be honored in Canada. You must bring a prescription from a local doctor. Probably the best way to accomplish a smooth transition between countries and doctors is to bring an note from your former doctor, along with your medical records; this way your new doctor can more easily understand your medical situation and be able to prescribe you the proper medication needed.

Canadian pharmacists are very knowledgeable and can give advice about which non-prescription medications to take for certain non-emergency conditions and illnesses. If you need advice or help, simply ask.

In Canada, pharmacy refers to a store that mainly sells medications, while drugstore refers to a store selling medications plus beauty supplies, groceries, electronics, homewares, books and magazines, baby supplies, and much more. Drugstores have a pharmacy section. The two biggest drugstores in Vancouver are London Drugs and Shoppers Drug Mart. There are many smaller pharmacies, most of them independent, but some part of a larger chain, such as the Medicine Shoppe (U.S. pharmacy chain). Generally speaking, drugstores have cheaper prices than pharmacies, particularly on non-prescription medications because they are larger retailers and do a much greater volume of business.

Drugstores or Pharmacies

London Drugs — http://www.londondrugs.com/Cultures/en-US/default.htm

A super-drugstore, London Drugs sells health and wellness products, including both prescription and non-prescription medications, computers, electronics, cameras, beauty supplies, homewares, small appliances, cleaning supplies, food and candy, automotive supplies, seasonal décor, clothing and accessories, gardening supplies, watches, musical instruments, pet supplies, office and school supplies, sports equipment, toys and games, books and magazines, and travel supplies. London Drugs stores also provide insurance services and marriage licenses.

Vancouver

East 41st and Victoria
5639 Victoria Drive
Vancouver, British Columbia
Phone: (604) 448-4853

Monday through Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Holidays: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Broadway and Vine

2230 West Broadway
Vancouver, British Columbia
Phone: (604) 448-4874

Monday through Saturday: 9:00am – 10:00pm, Sunday: 10:00am – 10:00pm, Holidays: 9:00am – 9:00pm

Davie Street

1650 Davie Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
Phone: (604) 448-4850

Monday through Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Holidays: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

East Hastings

2585 East Hastings
Vancouver, British Columbia
Phone: (604) 448-4807