New to Repeat Prescriptions? Start Here
Repeat Prescriptions: the few things that matter most, and the mistakes that catch people out early.
Ongoing supply of regular medicines without a new consultation each time.
Key takeaways
- Review: at least annually, more often for some medicines
- Ordering: usually online through the NHS App or practice system
- Most useful single change: Order only what you need.
- Commonest mistake: Ordering everything on the list out of habit.
- See a doctor if any of the signs under "When to speak to a doctor" below apply to you.
Why bother
Convenience makes it easy for medicines to continue long after they are still needed, which is what reviews exist to catch.
Start here
Two things, and nothing else until both feel routine.
- Order only what you need
- Ask for a structured review at least annually
Then add these
When those have settled in, these are worth adding.
- Tell the practice when you stop taking something
The numbers, in one place
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Review | at least annually, more often for some medicines |
| Ordering | usually online through the NHS App or practice system |
| Do not stockpile | it causes waste and shortages |
| Deprescribing | a legitimate and planned part of good care |
Common early mistakes
- Ordering everything on the list out of habit
- Letting a medicine continue for years without review
- Running out over a bank holiday; order in good time
Where to go next
- Repeat Prescriptions, Explained Without the Jargon
- Repeat Prescriptions: What to Do, in Order
- Repeat Prescriptions — the reference entry
- Buying Medicines Online: Sorting the Evidence From the Noise
- Medicines in Older Age: What Published Guidance Supports
When to speak to a doctor
Never stop a repeat medicine without advice, particularly steroids, beta blockers, anticonvulsants or antidepressants. Contact your practice urgently if you cannot get a medicine you depend on, including insulin, anticoagulants or epilepsy medicines.
Where this comes from
How this page was put together
Every figure, recommendation and warning above is taken from the guidance named in Where this comes from. Nothing on this page is inferred, summarised or generalised beyond what those bodies publish: where they give a number, it is their number, and where they are silent, so are we. Pages are rebuilt whenever the underlying record changes. Sign-off by a named clinician, where it has happened, is shown at the top of the page along with the date.
Medical disclaimer
This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot account for your own history, medication or circumstances. Always speak to a GP, pharmacist or another qualified health professional before making changes that affect your treatment, and never delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read here. In an emergency, call 999.
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