Ordering repeat prescriptions
If you take medicine regularly, you’ll usually have a repeat prescription. This means you can order your medicine when you need it without having to see a GP until your next medicine review.
You might be able to ask your pharmacy for your medicine if your GP has set-up repeat dispensing. Repeat dispensing is where a pre-authorised prescription allows the collection of medicine from a nominated pharmacy without the need for a new prescription each time. If not, you’ll need to order your medicines from your GP surgery each time.
There are 3 ways to order a repeat prescription from your GP surgery, two of which can be done without the need to contact your GP. All three are explained below in more detail.
The NHS Account/App is a very easy way to order repeat prescriptions on a regular basis.
Maintaining a supply of medicine
It is important that you ensure that you have an adequate supply of medicine, especially before weekends and bank holidays, so please order repeat prescriptions in good time.
This will help ensure the medicine(s) you require are available and can be accessed when required.
Ways to order repeat prescriptions:
1. Using an NHS account or the NHS App
You can order a repeat prescription by logging into your account using the NHS app or NHS website.
You’ll be able to collect your medicine in person when it’s ready. Some high street pharmacies also deliver – please note that this is not an NHS commissioned service but is privately provided.
If you’re asked to nominate a pharmacy, you can only nominate a high street pharmacy.
Click the links for information on how to create an NHS account, or if you already have an account then you can log in to access these services.
There’s more information here about prescriptions in your NHS account.
2. Using other online services or apps
There are also other online services and apps you can use to order a repeat prescription.
Some GP online services are only available in certain areas. Ask your GP surgery which service your GP surgery uses or look at their website for more information.
You might be able to get your medicine sent to you if your nominated pharmacy offers that service, or they might be able to let you know when it’s ready to collect.
Contact the online service or app you’re using, or your GP surgery, if you have any difficulties.
Other services you can use to order a repeat prescription
Online pharmacies include:
GP online services include:
Find out more about online health and prescription services.
3. By speaking to your GP surgery
You do not need to see a GP to order a repeat prescription. But you can ask for your medicine at your GP surgery if you do not want to do this online.
Ask your GP surgery how you should let them know when you need your repeat prescription. They can send your prescription to a pharmacy.
You might be able to get your medicine sent to you if the pharmacy you have nominated offers that service. Alternatively, they might be able to let you know when it’s ready to collect.
Contact Us
If you have any queries or questions about repeat prescriptions or you wish to tell us about your experiences of using the different options identified above, then please contact us via the contact details below.
If you have any feedback on your experience, then do leave a review on our Feedback Centre so it can be shared with others. It only takes a few minutes.
Telephone: 0333 101 4007
