PHOTO PROVIDED Stay on track with your medications with information provided by Ross Coder, manager of Geisinger Pharmacy.

By ROSS CODER

Have you ever considered the difference between renewal and a refill of a prescription? Or whether prescription expiration dates truly matter — and if it’s ever safe to take expired medicine?

Knowing the answers to these questions can help you avoid gaps in treatment, reduce the stress of running low on medication and make informed decisions about using medications safely.

Small delays in getting your medication can significantly impact your health outcomes. Even a short interruption in medication can slow your progress or worsen symptoms.

What is a prescription renewal vs. prescription refill?

The main difference is this: Prescription refills extend an existing prescription, while prescription renewals start a new one.

When your prescription includes refills, the pharmacy can dispense more medication when your supply runs low — without having to check in with your provider.

For example, if you take medication for a recurring condition, your doctor may prescribe a set number of refills. You’ll see the number of total refills listed on your prescription label. Each time you fill it, the number of remaining refills decreases until they are used up.

Renewal, on the other hand, is required when no refills remain on your bottle or the prescription has expired. In these cases, your provider must issue a new prescription before the pharmacy can dispense more medication.

Sometimes a renewal may require a follow-up appointment so your provider can assess how well the medication is working and make sure it’s still right for you.

You’re in charge of your refills, and your doctor oversees your renewals. Without a prescription renewal, the pharmacy can’t continue your medication.

Requesting a prescription renewal vs. prescription refill

Request a prescription refill when you have about 5 to 7 days of medication left — or earlier if you use mail-order to allow time for processing and delivery. You can check how many refills you have remaining on your bottle label or in your patient portal.

If your label shows “0 refills remaining” or the prescription is about to expire, request a prescription renewal from your provider 7 to 10 days ahead of time. Renewals often take longer than refills because they require approval.

You can request a prescription renewal in 1 of 3 ways:

— Ask your doctor during an appointment.

— Call or message your doctor to request a renewal.

— Call your pharmacy and ask them to request a renewal.

Just remember that your pharmacy can’t fill a medication until your doctor sends in a prescription renewal.

How do mail-order pharmacies work?

A mail-order pharmacy offers a convenient way to get your medications delivered to your home. You can ask your provider to send your prescription to a mail-order pharmacy instead of a retail location.

Because mail-order pharmacies dispense medications in larger quantities, most often a 90-day supply, they’re ideal for long-term or maintenance drugs typically used to treat chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.

One of the main advantages? Refills are processed on a set schedule and shipped before you run out, so you don’t have to remember to fill your prescription or make a special trip to the pharmacy.

Mail-order pharmacies can also offer cost savings. Copays are often lower with 90-day supplies, many include free shipping and if you’re managing a chronic condition, automatic refills can help prevent gaps in treatment.

Before enrolling, check with your insurance provider to confirm the mail-order pharmacy is in network.

Is it safe to take expired medicine?

If you’ve ever stopped taking a medication because your symptoms improved, only to find later that your medication has expired, you need to know how to handle the situation safely.

While you might be tempted to use medications past their expiration date, you shouldn’t. The expiration date indicates how long the manufacturer can guarantee the medication’s strength, quality and safety when stored correctly.

After expiration, medications may become less effective — and potentially unsafe if the chemical composition changes over time.

If you have a prescription that has recently expired, call your doctor and ask for a prescription renewal, then properly dispose of any expired medications to protect your health.

How to safely dispose of expired medicine

The safest way to dispose of unused or expired medication is through a medication takeback program.

Medication disposal boxes help keep unused prescriptions from ending up in the wrong hands. Most pharmacies and sometimes local law enforcement agencies accept medication returns.

After drop-off, medications are taken to an incinerator for final disposal.

To dispose of expired medications at home:

— Scratch out your name and address on the prescription label.

— Don’t flush medications down the toilet — this can contaminate local waterways.

— Mix medications with cat litter, dirt or used coffee grounds.

— Place the mixture in a sealed bag with a small amount of water and throw it in the trash.

If you’re not sure of the best way to dispose of a certain medication, you can always call your pharmacist for help.

Managing your medications is an important part of your health care. Talk with your doctor about any questions you have about your current medications, the best way to manage your refills and how to request a renewal if needed.

For the latest health and wellness tips and advice, visit geisinger.org/balance.

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Ross Coder is a manager for Geisinger Pharmacy.