What happens, and what if something does.

1. 01

   Your first visit

   It is quick, private, and nobody makes a fuss.

   The first visit is mostly checking that everything matches your prescription. Phone first if you can, so the pharmacist is ready for you and there is no waiting around.

   • Bring photo ID, your Medicare or concession card if you have them, and your prescription details. If something is missing, still come in or call.
   • You are dosed at the side counter, a private area away from the retail queue. It is not announced and other customers are not part of it.
   • The pharmacist will introduce themselves, check your prescription and SafeScript, and talk you through how dosing works here. It takes a few minutes.
   • You can ask anything. There is no such thing as a question that is too small.

   Where this comes from

   • Health.vic: pharmacotherapy program

2. 02

   What if I miss a dose?

   Phone us. Do not just stop, and never double up.

   Missing doses can change how your body handles your next dose, so we check in with you before supplying it again. This is a safety step, not a telling-off.

   • Missed one day: phone the pharmacy. In many cases your next dose continues as normal once we have spoken with you.
   • Missed several days in a row: for your safety the pharmacist will need to speak with your prescriber before your next dose, because your usual dose may no longer be right.
   • Never take extra to "catch up". If you are unsure, call us before you come in.
   • You will not be judged for missing doses. Life happens. Telling us early is always the right move.

   Where this comes from

   • Health.vic: pharmacotherapy program
   • DACAS Victoria (clinical advice line)

3. 03

   What if I am running late?

   Come as soon as you can within dosing hours.

   You will not be turned away for being late, as long as you arrive within dosing hours. If you are worried you will not make it, a quick phone call sorts most things out.

   • Arrive any time during dosing hours and you will be dosed as normal.
   • If you are going to be very late, or think you might not make it at all, phone the pharmacy. We would always rather you called.
   • If you regularly struggle to make the hours, tell the pharmacist. There may be options we can raise with your prescriber.

   Where this comes from

   • Health.vic: pharmacotherapy program

4. 04

   What if I am sick straight after my dose?

   Tell a staff member immediately — do not wait.

   There is a strict, time-based safety rule for being unwell after a supervised dose. Telling staff the moment it happens gives the pharmacist the best chance of helping.

   • If you are sick very soon after a supervised dose and a staff member saw it happen, tell them straight away — the pharmacist will assess what can safely be done.
   • After a longer gap, a replacement dose is not given. This is a safety rule about overdose risk, not a judgement.
   • If you are often unwell around dosing time, tell the pharmacist. It is worth raising with your prescriber rather than managing it alone.

   Where this comes from

   • Health.vic: pharmacotherapy program

5. 05

   What if I do not have ID?

   Still come in. Phone first and we will work it out.

   Photo ID matters most on your very first visit, so we can match you to your prescription safely. Not having it should not stop you getting care.

   • If you have no ID for a first visit, phone the pharmacy first. We will tell you what can work and how to sort it out.
   • Once you are an established patient, the team knows you and this is no longer an issue.
   • We will not turn you away without first trying to find a safe way forward with you.

   Where this comes from

   • Health.vic: pharmacotherapy program

6. 06

   Can I dose here if my prescriber is somewhere else?

   Often yes — phone ahead with your prescriber details.

   Dosing while you are away from your usual pharmacy (sometimes called guest or visiting dosing) is common. It needs a little coordination, so phone before you come.

   • Phone the pharmacy ahead of time with the name of your prescriber and your usual pharmacy, so we can confirm your prescription and last supplied dose.
   • Allow extra time for interstate prescriptions — the pharmacist may need to verify details with the originating prescriber.
   • Plan ahead where you can. The earlier you call, the smoother your visit.

   Where this comes from

   • Health.vic: pharmacotherapy program

7. 07

   What if I am going into hospital or having a procedure?

   Tell us and your prescriber early — we coordinate it.

   Planned hospital admissions and day procedures are managed smoothly when everyone knows in advance. Do not stop your treatment on your own.

   • Let the pharmacy and your prescriber know before a planned admission or surgery.
   • While you are admitted, the hospital manages your dosing. We coordinate the hand-back when you are discharged so there is no gap.
   • For an unplanned admission, ask hospital staff to contact us, or phone us when you can.

   Where this comes from

   • Health.vic: pharmacotherapy program

8. 08

   What if I am pregnant?

   You can stay in treatment — and continuing is the safer path.

   Stopping pharmacotherapy during pregnancy is not recommended. Continuing, with care coordinated around you, is the safer choice for you and your baby. You will be supported, not judged.

   • Tell the pharmacy as early as you can, so dosing support can be adjusted around your pregnancy.
   • Your care is coordinated with your maternity team and, where needed, an addiction-medicine specialist.
   • Take-home naloxone remains appropriate during pregnancy and after birth.

   Where this comes from

   • Health.vic: pharmacotherapy program
   • RANZCOG: substance use in pregnancy

9. 09

   Can I bring my children with me?

   Yes — and we will be quick and discreet.

   Bringing your kids is completely fine. Dosing happens at the private side counter, and the team will keep things calm and brief.

   • Children are welcome in the pharmacy. You do not need to arrange childcare to attend.
   • If you would like the visit handled especially discreetly, just tell a staff member.
   • Naloxone and all medicines are kept secured. We are happy to talk through safe storage at home.

   Where this comes from

   • Health.vic: pharmacotherapy program

This page is general information about how the service works, written from Victorian pharmacotherapy policy. It is not advice about your individual situation — for that, phone the dosing pharmacist.