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Minor Ailment Prescribing (MACS) in Chilliwack
In-person pharmacist assessments for common non-emergency conditions and contraception. Walk-ins welcome.
Relief without the clinic wait
Don't spend your day in a waiting room. Our experienced pharmacist team can assess symptoms and prescribe medications for many minor conditions, from pink eye to UTIs, right here in our private consultation room.
How it works
- 1. Walk in or call ahead. We can often see you the same day, and calling helps us reserve a consultation slot.
- 2. Private, one-on-one consultation. You won't have to discuss your health at the counter. We'll move to our private consultation room to review your symptoms and history in confidence.
- 3. Treatment plan. If eligible, we can prescribe medication, walk you through next steps, or connect you with another provider if needed.
What we can treat
From seasonal allergies to skin infections, we can assess the 21 conditions below in person. If we can treat it, you'll leave with your prescription in hand. If it's more serious, we'll help you get to the right provider.
Mild acne
- Blackheads, whiteheads, or mild inflamed pimples.
- Pharmacists can prescribe treatments and outline a simple routine.
Dermatitis (allergic, atopic, contact, diaper, seborrheic)
- Itchy, red, or inflamed patches after irritation or allergy triggers.
- Pharmacists can prescribe treatment after assessment; refer if there are signs of infection or facial involvement.
Fungal infections (onychomycosis; tinea corporis/cruris/pedis)
- Athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, or nail changes.
- Pharmacists can prescribe antifungals or recommend OTC options; seek care if widespread, painful, or not improving.
Impetigo
- Honey-colored crusts or blisters, often around the nose or mouth.
- Contagious skin infection; pharmacists can prescribe treatment and review home care.
Urticaria (hives), including insect bites
- Raised itchy welts or swelling after bites or exposure.
- Pharmacists can prescribe relief medication; urgent care for lip or tongue swelling or breathing trouble.
Shingles
- Painful, blistering rash on one side with burning or tingling.
- Assessment is time-sensitive; pharmacists can prescribe antivirals. Urgent care for face or eye involvement.
Herpes labialis (cold sores)
- Tingling or blisters on or around the lips.
- Pharmacists can prescribe antivirals; early treatment works best.
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
- Sneezing, itchy eyes, runny or blocked nose.
- Pharmacists can prescribe stronger options when OTC is not enough. Seek care for wheezing or breathing issues.
Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Red, irritated eye, discharge, or gritty feeling.
- Pharmacists can prescribe drops after assessment; urgent care for vision changes or severe pain.
Dyspepsia (indigestion)
- Upset stomach, bloating, or nausea after eating.
- Pharmacists can prescribe treatment and review triggers; seek care for severe or persistent pain.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD/heartburn)
- Burning chest or throat, sour taste, reflux at night.
- Pharmacists can prescribe acid reducers and review lifestyle steps. Urgent care for chest pain, trouble swallowing, or black stools.
Hemorrhoids
- Itching, swelling, or bright red blood on tissue.
- Pharmacists can prescribe symptom relief and review self-care; seek care for heavy bleeding or severe pain.
Headache
- Tension or stress headaches with pressure or tightness.
- Pharmacists can prescribe options and review medication safety; urgent care for sudden severe headache, fever, or stiff neck.
Musculoskeletal pain (sprains/strains)
- Sprains, strains, or back/neck pain after activity.
- Pharmacists can prescribe anti-inflammatory options after assessment; seek care if you cannot bear weight or have numbness.
Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps)
- Cramping before or during periods, lower abdominal pain.
- Pharmacists can prescribe relief options and review what works fast; seek care for new or severe pain or heavy bleeding.
Oral ulcers (canker sores)
- Painful mouth ulcers or burning when eating.
- Pharmacists can prescribe treatments for relief; seek care if sores last longer than 2 weeks.
Oropharyngeal candidiasis (oral thrush)
- White patches in the mouth with soreness or altered taste.
- Pharmacists can prescribe treatment after assessment; seek care if severe or in infants.
Nicotine dependence (smoking cessation)
- Support for quitting, cravings, or relapse prevention.
- Pharmacists can prescribe cessation medications under MACS and build a quit plan.
Threadworms/pinworms
- Night-time anal itching, especially in children.
- Pharmacists can prescribe treatment and prevention steps for households.
Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Burning when peeing, urgency, frequency, or lower abdominal discomfort.
- In-person assessment; pharmacists can prescribe antibiotics. We will refer if symptoms are severe, you are pregnant, or symptoms are atypical.
Vaginal candidiasis (yeast infection)
- Itching, burning, or thick discharge.
- Same-day assessment; pharmacists can prescribe treatment. Seek care if pregnant, recurrent, or with fever or pelvic pain.
What to bring
- BC Services Card (PHN) and government-issued ID
- A list of current medications, supplements, and allergies
- Notes on symptoms (when they started, what makes them worse or better)
Cost and coverage
MACS assessments are covered for eligible BC residents when provided in person at the pharmacy. Bring your PHN and ID. Prescription costs depend on PharmaCare or private coverage, and we will explain options before you leave.
When to seek urgent care
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, or severe allergic reaction
- Severe eye pain, vision changes, or shingles affecting the face or eye
- High fever, rapidly spreading rash, or severe infection symptoms
- Severe abdominal or pelvic pain, vomiting blood, or black stools
- Sudden severe headache, confusion, or stiff neck
Frequently asked questions
Not sure if we can treat it?
It can be confusing to know whether you need a doctor or a pharmacist. Give us a quick call and we'll listen to your symptoms and tell you honestly if you should come in or head to a clinic.
Prefer to check online first? Use the BC Government's self-assessment checklist.
Visit the BC self-assessment checklistPrefer to speak to a pharmacist?
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