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Prescriptions

Ordering repeat prescriptions

What is a repeat prescription?

A repeat prescription is normally given when you have a stable condition and the doctor can confidently expect that your prescription will remain the same for a number of months. The doctor will normally make the medication ‘repeatable’, which means that you will be able to reorder it at regular intervals until the doctor wishes to see you again.

Information:

Please do not order a repeat prescription until you are down to your last two weeks supply of medication. If there are exceptional reasons, such as a holiday, why you need to place your order earlier than this then please let us know when making your request.

The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:

  • using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App)
  • using the GP online system: SystmOnline

These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.

You can also:

We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone or email.

Collecting your prescription

Information:

You can usually collect your prescription 2 working days after you have ordered it.

Working days exclude weekends and bank holidays and therefore a request left at the surgery on Friday afternoon will be available Tuesday afternoon. It would be wise to allow an extra working day if ordering via a pharmacy.

You will need to choose a pharmacy to collect your prescription from. We call this nominating a pharmacy.

You can change your nominated pharmacy at any time:

  • on the app or website where you order repeat prescriptions
  • fill out a nominate a pharmacy form
  • at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions

Questions about your prescription

If you have questions about your medicine, your local pharmacists can answer these. They can also answer questions on medicines you can buy without a prescription.

The NHS website has information on how your medicine works, how and when to take it, possible side effects and answers to your common questions.

Go to Medicines A to Z

If you would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription:

What to do if you have problems with your repeat prescription

If you find that you have too much medication or no longer require a particular item please do not re-order it. Remember to mention it to your doctor on your next visit.

Medication reviews

If you have a repeat prescription, we may ask you to come in for a regular review. We will be in touch when you need to come in for a review.

Prescription charges

View the cost of prescriptions on the NHS website.

You can also find out if you are entitled to free prescriptions.

What to do with old medicines

Take it to the pharmacy you got it from or bring it in to the surgery. Do not put it in your household bin or flush it down the toilet.

About pharmacists

As qualified healthcare professionals, pharmacists can offer advice on minor illnesses such as:

  • coughs
  • colds
  • sore throats
  • tummy trouble
  • aches and pains

They can also advise on medicine that you can buy without a prescription.

Find a pharmacy

Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.

Most pharmacies have a private room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff.

Page published: 5 May 2023
Last updated: 11 February 2025