Prepare: Ordering repeat prescriptions 

Plan ahead and order your repeat prescriptions in good time, so you have the medicines you need to manage your health and stay well this winter.

Having the medicines you need at home can help you stay well and manage your health. If you take regular medication, check how much you have left and order your repeat prescriptions in good time so you don’t run out. 

How to order a repeat prescription 

If you take medicine regularly, you’ll usually have a repeat prescription. This means you can order your medicine without having to see a GP every time. It’s important to request the prescription up to 5 working days before you need your medicine. 

You might be able to ask your pharmacy directly for your medicine if your GP has set this up (repeat dispensing). If not, you’ll need to order your medicines through a repeat prescription from your GP surgery. 

You can order a repeat prescription from your GP surgery by: 

  • logging into the NHS App or the NHS website 
  • using other online services or apps 
  • contacting your GP surgery 

Order repeat prescriptions online 

You can order repeat prescriptions online by logging into the NHS App or the NHS website. 

You can choose a high-street pharmacy to collect your prescription from. Some pharmacies may offer delivery. 

Log in or open NHS App

Using other online services or apps 

You can use other online services to order a repeat prescription: 

  • GP online services: ask your GP surgery which service they use as you’ll need to use the same one 
  • online-only pharmacies: they’ll ask for your name, age and GP surgery’s address so they can get your prescription 

You can see a list of online-only pharmacies registered with the NHS and find out more about online health and prescription services. 

Contacting your GP surgery 

Ask your GP surgery how to let them know when you need your repeat prescription. 

When your prescription is ready you can pick it up in person, or your GP surgery may be able to send it to a pharmacy of your choice. 

If you choose a pharmacy, the pharmacy may be able to deliver your medicine to you or let you know when it’s ready for you to collect. Speak to your local pharmacy to find out what they offer. 

It’s important to only order the medicines you need. This helps reduce medicines waste and makes sure you’re not keeping more medication at home than necessary.  

Find out more at: Only Order What You Need – Prescription Ordering Advice