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Prescriptions

Ordering repeat prescriptions

The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:

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.

When to order

Order when you have 7 days of medicine left.

If you need to order sooner, tell us why. Otherwise your request may be rejected.

We aim to process your prescription within 2 working days.

Collecting your prescription

You can usually collect your prescription from the pharmacy 3 to 5 working days after you have ordered it. This does not include weekends and bank holidays.

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
  • at your GP practice
  • at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions

We send prescriptions to your pharmacy electronically, through the Electronic Prescription Service. This means you can collect your medicine near your home, work or shops.

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 (nhs.uk).

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

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.

You can also request a medication review through Klinik. Our pharmacist, a nurse prescriber or a GP may carry it out.

Please book your review promptly when we ask you to. This stops your prescription being delayed.

Prescription charges

Find out more about prescription charges (nhs.uk).

If you pay for 4 or more items in 3 months, or 12 or more in a year, a prepayment certificate may be cheaper.

You can buy or renew a prepayment certificate on the NHS Business Services Authority website. You can also phone their advice line on 0300 330 1341.

Medicines you can buy over the counter

NHS England asks GPs, nurses and pharmacists not to routinely prescribe medicines you can buy for minor health problems.

Your pharmacist can help you choose what to buy. For most patients nothing changes, and a clinician still decides case by case.

Taking medicine abroad

  • going away for 3 months or less: we will give you up to three 28-day supplies to cover your trip
  • away for 6 months in any 12 months: we will give you one 28-day supply. Register with a doctor where you are going, or buy your medicine there
  • out of the country for more than 6 months: NHS rules mean we have to remove you from our patient list

Read more about healthcare abroad on the NHS website.

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 (nhs.uk).

Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment. Most pharmacies have a private consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.