Pharmacy Resources

UT Austin students can have their prescriptions filled at the pharmacy of their choice.

How to fill a prescription

The prescription process begins in the provider's office. Your provider will submit the prescription electronically and ask which pharmacy you'd like to use.

If you don’t have health insurance

You will have to pay for the prescription medication out of pocket. Your provider may be able to refer you to manufacturer assistance programs. You can also use a prescription discount drug program like GoodRx.

If you have health insurance

Many insurance companies prefer that you use certain pharmacies. Your medication cost may vary based on your insurance plan and which pharmacy you choose. Before seeing your provider, contact your insurance company for more information.

If you have the UT System Student Health Insurance Plan, AcademicBlue, which is a Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) of Texas plan, find a list of in-network pharmacies by following these steps:

Go to https://utaustin.myahpcare.com/ and scroll down to Find a Provider.

Click on Click Here to Find a Provider

Click on Find a Pharmacy

Click on Continue without Sign-In

What is your health plan or employer? BCBS Texas

Are you a Medicare Part D member, shopping for Medicare plan with prescription drug coverage or a Retirement Benefit Enrollee? No

What is your health plan type? Other BCBSTX Plans

Choose your pharmacy network – Advantage Network

Enter your zip code to find the pharmacy closest to you.

Please note: CVS pharmacies no longer accept the Student Health Insurance Plan - Academic Blue.

If you do not have the UT System Student Health Insurance Plan, AcademicBlue, you can find in-network pharmacies on the website of your prescription drug plan, which is noted on your insurance card. Keep a copy of your insurance and prescription drug cards with you or download the app to secure your ID card. If you're using your parent's insurance, ask them for copies of the insurance cards.

Picking Up Your Prescription

Take your ID and, if you have insurance, your insurance and prescription drug cards. Ask any questions you might have thought of since leaving the provider's office — such as the best time of day to take your medicine, whether it needs to be taken with food, etc.

If the pharmacy is busy or you don't want to ask a personal question in front of others, call and ask to speak to the pharmacist. Tell them you filled your prescription there and have questions.

Your prescription should come with an information sheet from the manufacturer and perhaps one from the pharmacy. These explain how best to take your medicine and potential side effects to watch out for. If you notice any side effects while taking a medicine — even if you think they're not serious — let your provider know. You also can ask your pharmacist for advice. Pharmacists are trained to know how medicines work and can offer useful advice.

Glossary of Terms and Tips

An abbreviation for the word “prescription.” It is from the Latin word recipe which means “take thus.” So, an Rx, or prescription, is a provider’s direction for which medication to take and as well as how and how often to take them.

Prescription Refill

A second (or subsequent) allotment of a medication obtained from a pharmacy, which is allowed by the original prescription. Your prescription bottle or packaging shows how many refills remain. To refill a prescription, you can go to the pharmacy where you last filled your prescription, request a refill and wait for it or come back to pick it up. You can also request a refill by calling the pharmacy or, if applicable, using automated phone or online refill systems or the pharmacy’s app. The pharmacy may be able to send automatic text or email reminders when it’s time to pick up your refill.

Prescription Renewal

When no refills remain for your prescription, you will need to renew your prescription. This may require a follow-up visit with your prescribing provider. If you regularly take medication for a medical condition but can't get to your prescribing provider before it runs out, ask your pharmacist to request a renewal from your prescriber. The pharmacist will notify you whether your provider authorized more medication, how much and whether you need to schedule a visit with your provider.

Transferring a Prescription

To transfer a prescription from one pharmacy to another, call or visit the new pharmacy to request a prescription transfer. Give the new pharmacy the names of all medications you want to transfer, along with dosage, prescription numbers and your current pharmacy's contact information. The new pharmacy will contact your old pharmacy and manage the transfer.

Leaving Campus for Breaks

If your prescription is filled at an Austin pharmacy, and you will travel outside of Austin for winter, spring or summer breaks, make sure you have enough medication for the time you’ll be away.

Please note: UHS is closed for winter break during the week in between the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays. See the UT Austin holiday schedule for exact dates. Leading up to this time, be sure to contact your provider in advance to request prescription refills.

Additionally, contact your provider in a timely fashion prior to graduation or transitioning your care to a provider off campus.

Prescription Disposal

Proper disposal of prescription medications is important for safety and environmental reasons. Unused or expired prescriptions should never be thrown in the trash or flushed down the toilet, as they can harm wildlife and contaminate water sources.

To dispose of medications safely, use designated drug take-back programs or disposal sites, often provided by pharmacies, hospitals or local government agencies. You can also use this unneeded medication disposal finder. By following proper disposal practices, you help prevent drug misuse and protect the environment.

Sharps Disposal

Proper disposal of sharps, including needles and lancets, is essential for maintaining safety and hygiene. For more information, please refer to the following resources:

Questions?

If you are a UT student and have questions or need help with a prescription, contact the UHS Nurse Advice Line at 512-475-6877 (NURS) during regular business hours, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.