News & Notes / pharmacy services

Finding the right gift for a senior in your life can be challenging. This holiday season, consider gifts that support their health and independence — many of which are available right here at The Boardwalk Pharmacy in Waterloo.

Practical Health Gifts for Seniors

• Blood pressure monitors — home blood pressure monitors allow seniors to track their readings between doctor visits. We can recommend validated, easy-to-use models.
• Blood glucose monitors — for seniors managing diabetes, a reliable glucose monitor is an essential daily tool.
• Pill organizers — a simple weekly pill organizer helps seniors stay on track with their medications. Or ask us about our blister packaging service.
• Compression socks — help with circulation, reduce swelling, and are especially useful for seniors who spend long periods sitting or standing.
• Thermometers — digital and ear thermometers make it easy for seniors to monitor their temperature at home.
• Vitamins and supplements — Vitamin D, calcium, and B12 are commonly recommended for seniors. Ask our pharmacist which supplements are appropriate.

The Gift of Better Pharmacy Care

If you have a senior in your life who is managing multiple medications, consider setting them up with our blister packaging service or free home delivery. These services make daily medication management simpler and safer.

Visit us at 430 The Boardwalk, Suite 102, Waterloo or call (519) 578-3000.

A new year is a great time to take stock of your health and make sure you're taking full advantage of the services available to you. Here are five ways The Boardwalk Pharmacy in Waterloo can help you start 2027 on the right foot.

1. Book a Free MedsCheck

If you take three or more prescription medications, you likely qualify for a free MedsCheck — a private, one-on-one review of all your medications with a licensed pharmacist. It's one of the most valuable and underused services in Ontario.

2. Set Up Blister Packaging

Start the year with a better system for managing your medications. Our blister packaging service organizes your medications by day and time, eliminating the guesswork and reducing missed doses.

3. Switch to Free Home Delivery

If you're not already using our free home delivery service, January is a great time to start — especially with the cold weather making trips to the pharmacy less appealing.

4. Transfer All Your Prescriptions

If you're still going to a chain pharmacy out of habit, consider transferring your prescriptions to The Boardwalk Pharmacy. It's free, takes two minutes, and the difference in service is immediate.

5. Book a Pharmacist Consultation

Have questions about your medications, side effects, or health goals for the new year? Book a one-on-one pharmacist consultation. We're here to help.

Call (519) 578-3000 or visit us at 430 The Boardwalk, Suite 102, Waterloo.

As the seasons change and trees and grasses start to bloom, millions of Canadians — including many residents of Kitchener-Waterloo — begin experiencing the familiar misery of seasonal allergies. Our pharmacists at The Boardwalk Pharmacy can help you find the right relief.

Common Allergy Symptoms

• Sneezing and runny nose
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Itchy throat or skin
• Fatigue (often caused by poor sleep due to congestion)

Over-the-Counter Allergy Medications

Antihistamines are the most common first-line treatment:

• Cetirizine (Reactine) — non-drowsy, long-acting (24 hours)
• Loratadine (Claritin) — non-drowsy, good for daytime use
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) — effective but causes drowsiness; better for nighttime
• Fexofenadine (Allegra) — non-drowsy, minimal side effects

Nasal corticosteroid sprays (Flonase, Nasacort) are highly effective for nasal symptoms and work best when started a few weeks before allergy season.

Decongestants (pseudoephedrine, oxymetazoline) provide fast relief for nasal congestion but should not be used for more than 3 days.

When to See a Doctor

If over-the-counter medications aren't providing enough relief, or if your symptoms include significant asthma symptoms, speak with your doctor about prescription options including allergy immunotherapy.

Ask Our Pharmacist

Our pharmacists can recommend the best allergy medication for your specific symptoms and health profile. Walk in or call (519) 578-3000.

430 The Boardwalk, Suite 102, Waterloo, ON N2T 0C2 | Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Friday & Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Managing diabetes medications effectively is one of the most important things you can do for your long-term health. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been managing diabetes for years, our pharmacists at The Boardwalk Pharmacy in Waterloo are here to help.

Types of Diabetes Medications

There are several classes of diabetes medications, and many people take more than one:

• Metformin — usually the first medication prescribed, works by reducing glucose production in the liver
• SGLT2 inhibitors (empagliflozin, dapagliflozin) — help kidneys remove excess glucose
• GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide, liraglutide) — reduce appetite and blood sugar
• Insulin — many types, from rapid-acting to long-acting
• Sulfonylureas — stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin

Tips for Managing Your Diabetes Medications

• Take medications at the same time each day — consistency is key for blood sugar control
• Never skip doses — if you miss a dose, follow the instructions on your medication label or call us
• Store insulin properly — opened vials should be kept at room temperature; unopened insulin must be refrigerated
• Monitor for side effects — nausea, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and digestive issues are common; talk to us if they persist
• Keep a medication list — carry it with you to all medical appointments

Book a Free MedsCheck for Diabetes

If you have diabetes, you qualify for a free annual MedsCheck — a comprehensive one-on-one review with one of our pharmacists. Call us at (519) 578-3000 to book yours.

Book a MedsCheck | All our services

Most people think of a pharmacist as the person who fills your prescription and answers a quick question about side effects. But the role of a pharmacist goes much deeper — especially at an independent pharmacy where we have the time to actually sit down with you.

What Is a Pharmacist Consultation?

A pharmacist consultation is a private, scheduled appointment with one of our licensed pharmacists — a dedicated block of time where we focus entirely on your health and medication needs, with no interruptions.

What Can a Pharmacist Consultation Cover?

• New medication review — understanding a newly prescribed medication
• Drug interaction check — reviewing medications from different doctors for potential interactions
• Medication effectiveness concerns — if a medication doesn't seem to be working
• Side effect management — strategies for managing common side effects
• Minor ailment assessment — Ontario pharmacists can now assess and prescribe for 19 minor ailments, including UTIs, cold sores, and skin conditions

Ontario's Minor Ailments Program

As of 2023, Ontario pharmacists are authorized to assess and prescribe treatments for 19 minor ailments without a doctor's visit — including UTIs, oral thrush, cold sores, insect bites, and allergic rhinitis.

Book a Pharmacist Consultation in Waterloo

Call us at (519) 578-3000. Walk-ins are also welcome for minor ailment assessments during business hours.

430 The Boardwalk, Suite 102, Waterloo, ON N2T 0C2 | Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Friday & Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

If you take multiple medications, you're probably familiar with the mid-month pharmacy scramble — one prescription runs out on the 8th, another on the 18th, a third at the end of the month. MedSync is the solution.

What Is MedSync?

MedSync (medication synchronization) aligns all of your prescription refill dates to a single day each month. Instead of making multiple trips to the pharmacy at different times, everything is ready on one day — one pickup, one call, one delivery.

How Does MedSync Work?

When you enroll in MedSync at The Boardwalk Pharmacy, we review all your active prescriptions and calculate a single synchronization date that works for you. We then coordinate with your prescribers and insurance plan to align all your refill cycles.

MedSync + Blister Packaging: The Perfect Pair

MedSync works especially well alongside our blister packaging service. Once your prescriptions are synchronized, we sort them all into a single monthly blister pack — organized by day and time — ready for pickup or delivery.

How to Enroll in MedSync in Waterloo

Enrollment is simple — just ask us. Call (519) 578-3000 or visit us at 430 The Boardwalk, Suite 102, Waterloo.

Managing ADHD medications for a child — or for yourself — comes with its own unique set of challenges. Controlled stimulant medications require monthly prescriptions, careful dose timing, and consistent communication between parents, patients, doctors, and pharmacists.

Why ADHD Medications Require Monthly Prescriptions

Most ADHD stimulant medications are classified as controlled substances in Canada, which means they cannot be refilled automatically or transferred between pharmacies. Your doctor must issue a new prescription each month.

Tips for Managing Monthly ADHD Prescriptions

• Schedule your doctor's appointment before you run out — book your follow-up when you have 7–10 days of medication left
• Have your prescription sent directly to our pharmacy — your doctor can fax or electronically transmit the prescription so it's ready when you arrive
• Set a recurring calendar reminder for the same date each month

ADHD Medication and School

If your child takes medication at school, their school likely requires a completed medication administration form signed by your doctor. Our pharmacists can help you understand what documentation is needed.

Speak with a Pharmacist in Waterloo

At The Boardwalk Pharmacy, we take time to talk through medication concerns with parents and patients. Call us at (519) 578-3000 or visit us at 430 The Boardwalk, Suite 102, Waterloo.

One of the most common questions we hear from new patients at The Boardwalk Pharmacy is: "Do you take my insurance?" The short answer is: almost certainly yes.

What Is Direct Billing at a Pharmacy?

Direct billing means that instead of paying the full cost of your prescription out of pocket and submitting a claim for reimbursement later, your pharmacy bills your insurance company directly at the point of sale. You only pay your portion — typically a small co-pay or nothing at all.

Which Insurance Plans Does The Boardwalk Pharmacy Accept?

We direct bill most major Ontario insurance providers, including:

• Sun Life Financial
• Manulife
• Great-West Life / Canada Life
• Blue Cross / Medavie
• Green Shield Canada
• Desjardins
• Industrial Alliance (iA)
• Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB)
• Trillium Drug Program
• Many employer group benefit plans

What Is the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB)?

The ODB is Ontario's provincial drug coverage program covering most prescription medications for eligible residents, including seniors 65 and older and people receiving social assistance.

Call us at (519) 578-3000 or visit us at 430 The Boardwalk, Suite 102, Waterloo.

Planning a trip abroad this summer? Making sure your vaccinations are up to date is one of the most frequently overlooked parts of travel preparation. The good news: you can take care of many travel vaccines right here in Waterloo at The Boardwalk Pharmacy.

Why Travel Vaccines Matter

Different parts of the world have different disease risks. The most important thing to know: some vaccines require multiple doses or weeks to take full effect. Travel health experts recommend booking a consultation at least 4 to 6 weeks before your departure date.

Common Travel Vaccines to Ask About

• Hepatitis A — recommended for most international travel
• Hepatitis B — recommended for longer stays or medical travel
• Typhoid — recommended for travel to South Asia, Africa, and Latin America
• Yellow Fever — required for entry to some countries
• COVID-19 boosters — ensure you're up to date before international travel
• Routine vaccines — confirm MMR, tetanus, and flu are current

Book a Travel Health Consultation in Waterloo

Call ahead at (519) 578-3000 — we recommend booking at least 4–6 weeks before your travel date.

430 The Boardwalk, Suite 102, Waterloo, ON N2T 0C2 | Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Friday & Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

See all vaccinations we offer

Summer in Kitchener-Waterloo is wonderful — but the heat and humidity can be hard on your medications. Many prescription drugs are more temperature-sensitive than people realize, and improper storage can reduce their effectiveness or even make them unsafe.

Why Heat Affects Medications

Most medications are formulated to remain stable at room temperature — typically 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). When temperatures rise above this range, chemical reactions can occur, breaking down active ingredients and reducing effectiveness.

The Worst Places to Store Medications in Summer

• Your car — on a hot day, interior temperatures can reach 60°C or higher within minutes
• The bathroom medicine cabinet — heat and humidity from showers accelerate breakdown
• Near a window — direct sunlight degrades many medications

Medications That Are Especially Heat-Sensitive

• Insulin and other injectables — must be refrigerated or kept below 25°C
• Nitroglycerin (for heart conditions) — loses potency rapidly in heat
• EpiPens — should be kept between 15°C and 25°C; do not refrigerate
• Eye drops — many require refrigeration or protection from heat

Safe Summer Storage Tips

• Store medications in a cool, dry drawer or cabinet away from the kitchen and bathroom
• If travelling, use a small insulated bag to keep temperatures stable
• Check the storage instructions on every prescription label

Questions about your medications this summer? Call our team at (519) 578-3000.

Running out of a medication because you couldn't make it to the pharmacy is more common than it should be — and it's a problem we've made our mission to solve. The Boardwalk Pharmacy offers free prescription delivery across Waterloo and Kitchener, so your medications come to you, on your schedule, at no extra cost.

Who Is Prescription Delivery For?

• Seniors who have difficulty driving or travelling to the pharmacy
• Patients recovering from surgery or illness who need to rest at home
• Busy parents who can't always find time for a pharmacy run
• Patients with mobility challenges or chronic conditions
• Anyone who simply prefers the convenience of home delivery

How Does Prescription Delivery Work?

1. Request your refill — call us at (519) 578-3000 or use our online refill form
2. We prepare your medication — our pharmacists fill and check your prescription
3. We contact you before delivery — we'll let you know when to expect us
4. Your medications arrive at your door — discreet packaging, no signature required in most cases

Is It Really Free?

Yes — completely free for all prescription orders within the Waterloo and Kitchener area. There is no minimum order, no delivery fee, and no subscription required.

Same-Day Delivery in Waterloo

For orders placed before noon, we offer same-day delivery to most areas of Waterloo and Kitchener. We deliver Monday through Saturday.

How to Set Up Delivery

Call us at (519) 578-3000 and let us know you'd like your prescriptions delivered. Already getting prescriptions from another pharmacy? We can transfer your prescriptions for free and start delivering from day one.

430 The Boardwalk, Suite 102, Waterloo | Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Friday & Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

If you take three or more prescription medications and live in Ontario, there's a free service available to you that most people don't know about — and it could make a real difference in how safely and effectively you manage your health. It's called a MedsCheck, and at The Boardwalk Pharmacy in Waterloo, we offer it by appointment at no cost to eligible patients.

What Exactly Is a MedsCheck?

A MedsCheck is a private, one-on-one consultation between you and a licensed pharmacist. During this session, your pharmacist reviews all of your medications — prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements — to make sure they're working together safely and effectively for you.

The program is funded by the Ontario government and offered through participating pharmacies at no cost to eligible patients.

What Happens During a MedsCheck?

When you come in for your MedsCheck at The Boardwalk Pharmacy, your pharmacist will:

• Review every medication you take — including vitamins and supplements
• Check for potential drug interactions you may not be aware of
• Confirm you're taking each medication at the right dose, at the right time
• Identify any medications that may be duplicating each other's effects
• Answer your questions about side effects, storage, and alternatives
• Give you a printed personal medication list to keep and share with your doctor

The whole appointment typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. We set aside a private consultation space so there are no interruptions.

Who Qualifies for a MedsCheck in Ontario?

You may be eligible for a MedsCheck if you:

• Take 3 or more prescription medications for ongoing conditions
• Were recently discharged from hospital (MedsCheck in the Community)
• Have been diagnosed with diabetes (MedsCheck for Diabetes is a dedicated program)
• Are managing medications for a family member in their home (MedsCheck at Home)

Is MedsCheck Really Free?

Yes. The MedsCheck program is funded by the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program, which means there is no cost to you for an annual MedsCheck at a participating pharmacy like ours.

How to Book Your MedsCheck in Waterloo

Call us at (519) 578-3000 or visit us at 430 The Boardwalk, Suite 102, Waterloo.

Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Friday & Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Learn more about our MedsCheck services | All our services