Repeat Prescriptions

Please follow the guidelines and choose the right option for you.

Please allow us 48 hours (two working days), to process your prescription request.

We do not accept repeat prescription requests over the phone.

Ordering a Repeat Prescription

Prescriptions Charges and Exemptions

Extensive exemption and remission arrangements protect those likely to have difficulty in paying charges (NHS prescription and dental charges, optical and hospital travel costs).

The NHS prescription charge is a flat-rate amount which successive Governments have thought it reasonable to charge for those who can afford to pay for their medicines. Prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) offer real savings for people who need extensive medication.

When going abroad you can take your NHS medications with you.

Please visit the NHS website for the latest Prescription Charges

These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.

Further Information

• Find out more about help with your health costs
• Buy an NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate

Electronic Prescription Service

The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) sends electronic prescriptions from GP surgeries to pharmacies. Eventually EPS will remove the need for most paper prescriptions.

Learn more about the Electronic Prescription Service

What is the difference between Repeat Prescribing and Repeat Dispensing?

Repeat Prescribing
Repeat medication is signed off by your GP every month / 2 months (depending on your regimen) upon your request.

Repeat dispensing (eRD)
Repeat dispensing allows GPs to sign off 6 months’ worth of prescriptions and send these to your nominated pharmacy. The pharmacy will then obtain these prescriptions and dispense your medication every month/2 months (depending on your regimen) upon your request.

Repeat Prescribing

Who do I request my medication from?

Some pharmacies have capacity to request prescription from the GP on your behalf, but fewer are offering this service of late. 

Who is suitable and what are the benefits?

This is suitable for patients on long standing medication that may be subject to change within the next 6 months. Some medication requires blood monitoring and subsequent dose changes (e.g. methotrexate, warfarin). In these cases, we would keep the medication on repeat. 

Due to safety reasons, medication of addictive nature is also kept on repeat which allows us to monitor use. This is the same for ‘when required’ medications, where overuse/overordering may indicate uncontrolled conditions, e.g. salbutamol inhalers, GTN sprays.

How much medication will I receive?

This will depend on you medication regimen. For safety purposes we can only supply 30 days’ worth of medication for controlled drugs (some exceptions if discussed with GP). We generally operate on a monthly / 2 monthly prescription cycle; exceptions are HRT and contraception which are often 3 monthly.

Are there any exceptions?

Acute medication (e.g. antibiotics, steroids).

Repeat dispensing (eRD)

Who do I request my medication from?

The initial request for repeat dispensing will need to go via the GP. Once the GP has signed off 6 months’ worth of prescriptions, you will then order from the pharmacy directly every month / 2 months (depending on your regimen). When the 6 months’ worth of prescriptions are coming to an end, you will need a batch reissued (a further 6 months of prescriptions). This reissuing request can be made via the pharmacy who will inform the GP, or via our website. The pharmacy should inform you when they are handing out your final prescription on that batch.

Who is suitable and what are the benefits?

This is suitable for patients on long standing medication that is unlikely to change within the next 6 months. You may still need to attend annual blood monitoring appointments depending on your condition and medication.

• No need to contact the surgery every month / 2 months for repeat medication.
• Option to request the next prescription early from the pharmacy e.g. if going on holiday (if clinically appropriate).
• The pharmacy should always have a prescription available to dispense for the patient as long as this is within the scheduled timeframe and there are remaining prescriptions on the batch (please give pharmacy notice to dispense in a timely manner).

How much medication will I receive?

This will depend on you medication regimen. We generally operate on a monthly / 2 monthly prescription cycle; exceptions are HRT and contraception which are often 3 monthly.

Are there any exceptions?

• Controlled drugs that require usage monitoring. ‘When required’ medication that require usage monitoring.
• Acute medication.
• Medication requiring frequent blood monitoring and subsequent dose changes.