Can I Get a Prescription From a Phone Doctor Consultation in Nigeria?

After your call ends, the doctor sends the prescription to you in two ways:

1. SMS — a text message with the drug name, dose, frequency, duration, the doctor's name and MDCN folio number.
2. PDF in your patient profile — a signed, downloadable copy you can show at the pharmacy or save for insurance/HMO claims.

Both formats are accepted by Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) registered pharmacies. The pharmacy will verify the doctor's folio number before dispensing prescription-only medicines.

• Common antibiotics for clear-cut infections (UTI, throat, skin) — the doctor will ask detailed questions to avoid overprescribing.
• Antihypertensives, antidiabetics, asthma inhalers, and other chronic-disease medications for follow-up patients.
• Antimalarials, when symptoms and recent exposure are clear.
• Mental-health medications (SSRIs, anxiolytics) — usually with a follow-up call within 1–2 weeks.
• Family-planning drugs and contraceptives.
• Pain relief, anti-allergy medication, and most over-the-counter items.

• Controlled drugs — opioids (tramadol, codeine), benzodiazepines, ketamine. NDLEA rules require an in-person evaluation.
• Drugs needing baseline tests — some chemotherapy, isotretinoin, methotrexate. The doctor will refer you for labs first.
• Injections requiring administration — vaccines, depot injections; doctor refers to a clinic.

Two reasons this happens, both fixable:

• The pharmacy can't verify the prescriber. Show them the PDF (which has the folio number and digital signature) or call the platform's support line.
• The drug is on the controlled list. The doctor will need to see you in person or at a partnered clinic before re-issuing.

If a pharmacy still refuses without a clear reason, take your prescription to another PCN-registered pharmacy — you don't need a new consultation.