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Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are one of those problems people put off dealing with — and suffer longer than they need to. At our Orleans pharmacy, a licensed pharmacist can assess your symptoms in a private consultation and prescribe treatment that goes beyond the drugstore shelf. Discreet, walk-in, and free with your Ontario health card.

Hemorrhoids are swollen, irritated blood vessels in and around the anus. They're extremely common — roughly half of adults deal with them by age 50 — and typically cause itching, swelling, burning, and bright-red bleeding with bowel movements.

Internal vs. external — and why flare-ups happen

Internal hemorrhoids sit above the anal canal's nerve line, so they're usually painless but may bleed. External hemorrhoids are more likely to hurt, especially if a clot forms. Flare-ups are triggered by constipation, straining, prolonged toilet sitting, heavy lifting, pregnancy, and age. Most settle with treatment aimed at softer, easier bowel movements plus a prescription cream or suppository to calm the flare — but any rectal bleeding deserves confirmation from a clinician at least once.

Around half of Canadians will experience hemorrhoids by age 50. The single most effective long-term fix isn't a cream — it's fibre, fluids, and not sitting on the toilet longer than about five minutes.

Common signs and symptoms

Itching, burning, or irritation around the anus
A tender lump or swelling near the anus
Bright-red blood on toilet paper or in the bowl
Discomfort during or after bowel movements
A feeling of incomplete emptying

Treatments our Orleans pharmacist can prescribe

For your information only: in Ontario, our pharmacist can assess this condition and, when appropriate, prescribe from the medications listed below. This information is provided for educational purposes — it is not an offer to sell. These are treatments that require a pharmacist assessment, and the right option is chosen for you.

Skin & mucous membrane agents: Dibucaine (cinchocaine), Esculin (aesculin), Framycetin (neomycin B), Hydrocortisone, Phenylephrine, Pramoxine, Zinc sulfate

Self-care that helps

Rectal creams, ointments, and suppositories (e.g., Preparation H, Anusol)
Fibre supplements (e.g., psyllium/Metamucil) to soften stool and reduce straining
Stool softeners / gentle laxatives if constipation is a trigger
Medicated witch hazel pads for soothing after bowel movements
Warm sitz baths for 15 minutes a few times daily; drink 6–8 glasses of water a day

Browse related over-the-counter options in our Hemorrhoids self-care collection, or ask us in store — our pharmacists will point you to what actually helps.

How the assessment works

1. Walk in or callNo appointment or referral needed. Drop by our pharmacy on St-Joseph Blvd in Orleans during opening hours, or call ahead.

2. Private consultationA licensed pharmacist reviews your symptoms, health history and medications in a short, private assessment.

3. Prescription in handIf appropriate, we prescribe and fill your treatment on the spot — you leave with what you need.

Frequently asked questions

Is the assessment really private?

Yes — it's a conversation in a private consultation room, and a visual exam isn't usually needed. The pharmacist assesses symptoms, screens for red flags, and prescribes appropriate treatment.

What can the pharmacist prescribe that's stronger than Preparation H?

Prescription combination products with hydrocortisone plus anesthetics like dibucaine or pramoxine — more effective for inflamed, painful flares than basic OTC options.

When is bleeding a red flag?

First-time rectal bleeding, blood mixed into stool (not just on paper), dark blood, bleeding with a change in bowel habits, or bleeding over age 50 — all warrant a physician's evaluation to rule out other causes. We screen for exactly this during the assessment.

Is the pharmacist assessment covered by OHIP?

Yes. The minor ailment assessment is free with a valid Ontario health card. You only pay for the medication itself if one is prescribed, and that is often covered by your drug plan.

Do I need an appointment at your Orleans pharmacy?

No. Walk-ins are welcome during all pharmacy hours — Monday to Friday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM–3:00 PM. You can also call 613-824-3111 ahead of your visit.

When to see a doctor instead: See a health-care provider if you have rectal bleeding for the first time or blood mixed into the stool, severe or sharp pain, a hemorrhoid that won't go back in or lasts longer than 7 days, a change in bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss. Rectal bleeding should never be assumed to be 'just hemorrhoids' — particularly over age 50.

Stop suffering in silence.

Skip the walk-in clinic wait. Our Orleans pharmacists assess and prescribe for hemorrhoids — free with your Ontario health card.

Call 613 · 824 · 3111 Hours & directions

Serving Orleans and east Ottawa — Fallingbrook, Avalon, Chapel Hill, Queenswood Heights, Blackburn Hamlet, Navan & Cumberland. 2746 St-Joseph Blvd, Unit 100, Orleans, ON K1C 1G5.