A step by step guide on how to order your repeat prescriptions

Repeat prescriptions may require time-consuming, fiddly, and potentially human error-prone administrative tasks that are shared by the patient and the GP practise. Who hasn't occasionally forgotten to take a repeat prescription? Additionally, there is the trouble of placing an order for a repeat, travelling to pick up the real paper, and then bringing it to the pharmacy. Repeat prescriptions have now become much simpler thanks to the new NHS online repeat prescription service.

Here is how you can simply order repeat prescriptions step-by-step

STEP 1

If the surgery texted you to inform you that your prescription has been switched to this way of ordering, you do not need to take any further action and can proceed on to STEP 2.

Ask your prescriber, a member of the medical profession, if you can switch to electronic repeat dispensing (eRD). If your physician believes you are qualified, your consent will be required before sharing treatment details with the pharmacy of your choice (any pharmacy which dispenses NHS medication).

As a result, your pharmacist can inform your prescriber about your therapy and be better prepared to offer you individualised guidance. Your doctor will then approve several eRD prescriptions (to cover a determined number of months). Your situation and the clinical need will determine how long it takes.

STEP 2

Ask for and pick up your first eRD prescription at the pharmacy of your choice.

STEP 3

Contact your pharmacy or return to your pharmacist to request and receive your prescription for the following month.

STEP 4 

After delivering your last prescription, your pharmacy will advise you to get in touch with your GP office to make arrangements for a medication review and determine whether it is clinically suitable to write another eRD prescription.

Please let the pharmacy know solely about the prescriptions you actually need so they can give you what you want. This will help reduce waste and conserve resources for the NHS.

How long will a pharmacy hold your prescription?

After receiving your prescription electronically, a pharmacy may keep it for a variety of times. However, they usually hold onto it for 10 to 14 days. To avoid running out of medication or simply throwing your prescription away, try to pick up your medication as soon as it is requested.