For prescriptions written by outside providers, the Pharmacy will phone your doctor's office to a request a refill authorization, which generally takes 48-72 hours.

Transferring UHS prescriptions to another pharmacy
Please ask your pharmacy to call the UHS Pharmacy at (510) 642-3249 to arrange the transfer of your prescription and valid refills.

When UHS eligibility ends:
No purchases may be made at the Pharmacy after UHS eligibility ends (August 14 for departing spring semester students and January 14 for departing fall semester students). If you have a prescription filled shortly before the end-date, it will be for a maximum of a 30-day supply beyond the end-date.

Unfortunately, there are no exceptions to this limit. The Pharmacy is able to provide prescription and over-the-counter medications at a discount because of special UC contract prices. These discounts cannot be legally extended beyond the 30-day limit.

Please note: If you have valid refills beyond the limits described in either situation above, have the pharmacy of your choice call us to transfer the prescription.

Outside of University Health Services:
Prescriptions filled outside of UHS at an Anthem Participating Pharmacy have a $5 co-pay for generic and $25 co-pay for brand name medications (30-day supply), $40 for "non-formulary" items

No prescription medications are subject to the deductible. The pharmacy benefit is limited to a maximum of $10,000 coverage per plan year (August 15 to August 14). See UC SHIP Pharmacy Benefits - Tracking How Much You've Used.

Q: Can I have someone else pick up my prescription?
A: For privacy reasons we can only dispense medication to the intended person. However, if you give express permission for someone else to pick up your prescription, either in writing (send a note with them) or by contacting us ahead by phone so a note can be placed with your medications, then a designated person can pick up your prescription(s). The person picking up the medications must be prepared to pay any associated charges or co-pays.

Q: Are there any side effects after taking"Plan B"?
A: Side effects are minimal with "Plan B"…some women may experience mild nausea and/or temporary breast tenderness until their next menstrual cycle. "Plan B" will often change the timing for menstruation.

Q: What is the medication in "Plan B"?
A: "Plan B" is a progesterone-only product.

Q: How effective is "Plan B"?
A: "Plan B" is about 90% effective when used within 72 hours. It is not 100% effective, and it is more effective the sooner it is taken. Contraception must be used consistently to prevent pregnancy. If you use "Plan B" and you do not begin menstruation within three weeks, you will need a pregnancy test.

Q: What about payment for "Plan B"?
A: For students 18 and years older - Plan B is over the counter; the cost is $30 plus tax.

For students under 18 years of age - Plan B can be dispensed to the patient only, by the pharmacist, by written order from a UHS clinician. The UC SHIP co-pay for Plan B is $25, which will be charged to your student billing form. Charges on a billing form for Plan B are confidential; they are listed only as a pharmacy charge. If you are under 18 you may call the Advice Nurse at 510-643-7197 to get a prescription for Plan B.

We also recommend the Sexual Health Education Program (SHEP). For a careful review of all methods of contraception, make a SHEP appointment by calling 510-642-2000

Q: How do I get non-prescription contraceptives at UCB?
A: Non-prescription contraceptives, such as condoms and other safer sex supplies are available at the UHS Pharmacy at the Tang Center. Samples of these are available through the Health Promotion program offered at Tang. To book an appointment for information on contraceptives and safe sex counseling with a Peer Educator, call (510) 642-2000 and ask for a SHEP appointment.

Q: How do I get prescription contraceptives at UCB?
A: Contraceptives such as pills, patch, ring, injection and diaphragm require a prescription. Please make an appointment for a visit with a Nurse Practitioner or Physician's Assistant at UHS by calling (510) 642-2000. You may also bring in or transfer a prescription from elsewhere (see FAQ on how to transfer your prescriptions). For an IUD, make a consultation appointment with one of the IUD Clinicians.

Q: I am already taking birth control pills, and feel like I am experiencing side effects. What should I do?
A: First establish whether you may have a rare, but serious effect from the pills, and if so, medical care should be sought immediately for the following ACHES:

A - abdominal pain: unusually severe or persistent pain under the lower right ribs that could indicate liver or gall bladder problems.
C - chest pain: sudden shortness of breath, and sharp, localized chest pain which is unrelated to other causes.
H - headaches: increased number of migraine headaches or a severe headache with dizziness, visual changes, weakness or change in your mental state, such as confusion.
E - eye problems: sudden visual loss or blurring.
S - severe leg pain: tenderness, pain, redness in one calf or thigh that is unrelated to injury or overuse.

If you just started taking birth control pills, and do not have serious side effects, continue to take them for approximately 3 months. It takes your body time to get used to the new hormones. If, after that time, you are still unhappy with the prescription, make an appointment with a clinician.

Note: Minor side effects include nausea, bleeding between periods, no period, breast tenderness, emotional changes, and complexion changes. Minor side effects usually resolve with time. Some of these can be lessened by making small changes. Contact the pharmacist or read your handouts for suggestions.

Q: I forgot to take my pill(s). What should I do?
A: Usually if you miss one pill, it is okay. Just take the pill as soon as you remember it or take two together. If you have taken two together before and it caused you some nausea, you can separate the two pills by 6-12 hours.
If you have missed two pills, take them as soon as possible, separating the doses if necessary, and use a back-up method (usually condoms) for every act of intercourse for the next 7 days.
If you have missed three or more pills your cycle and your contraception will be affected. There are a couple of ways to handle this…1) stop the pills, use a back up method for every act of intercourse, restart pills on the 1st day of your new period, or 2) continue the pills, but use a back up method for every act of intercourse for seven days. You may experience spotting or even a full period, but eventually your cycle will match your pills.

Q: I have run out of packs of pills and I have no refills left. What should I do?
A: If you received your prescription from the UHS Pharmacy…

• For an emergency pack of pills call 510-642-2000 for an HCX chart review. Assume your medication request will be reviewed and processed, and will be ready for pick-up at the UHS Pharmacy within 48 hours of your request. You will hear from your clinician's office only if there is a problem with the refill.
• If you need a same day refill, call 510-642-3249 and speak to a pharmacist.
• If you had a prescription from an outside clinician, the pharmacist can contact that office and request additional refills. However, you need to follow your clinician's instructions for follow-up appointments.

Q: I have more questions about contraception or I am very confused. What should I do?
A: If you have questions about getting a prescription at our pharmacy, call the UHS pharmacy at (510) 642-3249. If you have questions about contraception or a particular birth control method, call the Advice Nurse at (510) 643-7197. We also recommend the Student Health Education Peers (SHEP). For a careful review of all methods, make a SHEP appointment by calling 510-642-2000.