NHS Repeat Prescription: What It Is and How to Use It

If you take medication regularly, you’ve probably heard of a repeat prescription. It’s simply a way to get the same medicine without seeing your GP every time. The NHS lets you order repeats by phone, online, or in person, so you can keep your treatment going without hassle.

How to Request a Repeat Prescription

First, make sure your GP has set up a repeat for the drug you need. Most practices do this during the initial prescription. Once it’s in the system, you have three easy ways to ask for a refill:

• NHS App or Patient Online: Log in, find the repeat section, pick the medicine, and confirm the quantity. The app sends the request to your surgery automatically.
• Phone call: Call your practice’s repeat line. Have your NHS number ready, tell the receptionist the drug and how many tablets you need, and they’ll process it.
• In‑person visit: Drop into the surgery or pharmacy. The staff will look up your record and print a prescription for you.

Most surgeries will approve the request within a day, and the pharmacy will call you when the medicine is ready.

What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

Even with a smooth system, hiccups happen. Here’s a quick plan:

• Prescription not ready: Call the pharmacy. Sometimes they need a final check from your GP.
• Ran out of tablets early: Contact the repeat line right away. Explain you need extra tablets, and they may issue an emergency supply.
• Medication change: If your doctor altered the dose or switched drugs, the repeat will stop. Ask the pharmacy for clarification before you run out.

Never skip a dose without talking to a professional. Missing a dose can make your condition worsen.

**Tips to keep your repeat prescription on track**

• Set a calendar reminder a week before you expect to need a refill.
• Check the expiry date on each batch; some drugs lose potency after a few months.
• Keep a list of all the repeats you have, including strength and dosage.
• If you travel, arrange a repeat in advance or ask your GP for a short‑term supply.

Saving money is also part of the repeat story. Most NHS prescriptions are free in England if you have an exemption certificate, and you only pay a small charge in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Some pharmacies offer free delivery for repeat orders, especially if you sign up for a regular service.

Finally, remember that repeat prescriptions are a tool, not a rule. If your symptoms change or you experience side effects, call your doctor. They may need to adjust the dose or try a different medication.

With this guide, you should feel confident ordering, tracking, and managing your NHS repeat prescriptions. Stay on top of your meds, keep the lines of communication open with your GP and pharmacy, and you’ll avoid most of the common hassles.