Repeat prescriptions

How to order your repeat medication and what to expect.

Important

Turn on your NHS App notifications so you don't miss screening invitations, test results, or prescription updates. Find out more about the NHS App.

How to order a repeat prescription

Quickest

NHS App or Patient Access

Order online through the NHS App or Patient Access. Tap Prescriptions, tick what you need, and choose your pharmacy.

Online form

Request your repeat prescription using our online form. You can also use it for holiday prescription requests - just state the dates you're leaving and returning.

Request online

Handwritten note

Write your name, date of birth, medicine name, dose, and quantity. Hand it to reception or post through the letterbox.

Please allow 3 working days for your prescription to be processed. Once a GP has approved it, it goes straight to your nominated pharmacy. Order in good time so you don't run out. We can't be held responsible for late ordering. If you over-order an item, it may not be issued.

Important: Ordering by phone

We are unable to accept prescription requests by telephone. Please use one of the ordering methods above.

Your pharmacist can help too

Our practice pharmacist reviews repeat prescriptions. They can answer questions about your medicines. They can also help with side effects, or explain what you're taking.

Medicine reviews

If you take regular medicine, we'll invite you for a review at least once a year. It's usually with our Pharmacists or Practice Nurses.

During the review we'll check:

  • Your medications are still right for you
  • You're not having side effects
  • The doses are correct
  • You're taking them as prescribed

If your prescription says "review due" when you try to order, you'll need to book a review before we can issue more. This is for your safety.

New medicines

Repeat prescriptions are only for medicines you take regularly. If you need something new, you'll need an appointment first, unless we have received a letter from the hospital.

You can book an appointment or contact us online to speak to a doctor or nurse. Do this for new symptoms or medicine changes.

Questions about your medication

Got a question about your medication? It might be a dose change, a side effect, or whether two medicines mix. Send an admin request online or call us on 01270 441672. A pharmacist or GP will get back to you.

We'll also invite you for a medication review now and then. It checks everything you take is still right for you.

Nominating a pharmacy

Your prescription goes electronically to the pharmacy you've nominated. You can nominate any pharmacy in England. To set or change it, ask at reception, use the NHS App, or tell us when you order.

You can also collect a paper prescription from the surgery and take it to a pharmacy yourself. Electronic prescribing is quicker, though.

Important: Controlled drugs: bring ID when collecting

If your prescription includes a controlled drug, you'll need to show proof of identity and sign the register when you collect it. If someone else is collecting for you, they'll need your consent on record and their own ID.

To check whether something on your prescription is controlled, look for "CD" next to the name. If you're unsure, ask a GP or our dispensary team.

NHS prescription charges

The current charge is £9.90 per item. If you need regular prescriptions, a prepayment certificate (PPC) can save you money:

  • 3-month PPC: £32.05 (saves money if you need 4+ items in 3 months)
  • 12-month PPC: £114.50 (saves money if you need 15+ items in a year)
  • HRT PPC: £19.80 (covers unlimited HRT prescription items for 12 months)

Private prescriptions are £12 per item.

You can buy or renew a PPC online or call 0300 330 1341. Many people qualify for free prescriptions. Check the NHS website to see if you're exempt.

Only order what you need

Check what you have at home before ordering. Only request the medications you need this time. You can always order others later.

Unused medicines cost the NHS money and storing large quantities at home can be risky. Find out more about reducing medicines waste.

What to do with old medicines

Return any unused or out-of-date medicines to any pharmacy. Don't put them in your household bin or flush them down the toilet.

Your local pharmacy can help

Pharmacists can give advice on minor illnesses like coughs, colds, sore throats, stomach problems, and aches and pains. They can also advise on medicines you can buy without a prescription.

Many pharmacies are open late and at weekends, and you don't need an appointment. Most have a private consultation room.

Under Pharmacy First and the Minor Ailments Scheme, pharmacists can also treat a set list of conditions free on the NHS. They can supply prescription medicine where needed. The full list is on our Think Pharmacy page.

Got a sudden eye problem like flashes, floaters, lost vision, or a minor injury? Local opticians give urgent NHS checks through the Community Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES). It's free and open to all ages. You don't need a GP referral.

Find a pharmacy near you on NHS.uk

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