Tell us whether you accept cookies We've put some small files called cookies on your device to make our site work. We would also like to use analytical cookies to understand how our site is used and improve user experience. Analytical cookies send information to Google Analytics. Let us know your preference. We will use a cookie to save your choice. Before you make your choice you can read more about our cookie policy . I'm OK with cookies Set my cookie preferences Repeat prescriptions are medications which appear on the reverse of your prescription which your doctor would like you to continue on a regular basis. Ordering repeat prescriptions 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. fill in a prescription request form or underline the items needed on the tear-off side of your prescription and drop it into the surgery post your request to the surgery (if a stamped addressed envelope is supplied, your prescription can be returned via Royal Mail) We ask you not phone the surgery to request repeat prescriptions as this will make the surgery’s phone line busy and will prevent patients from contacting the surgery. A lot of medicines are wasted – dispensed but not used. We believe that some of this waste can be reduced if people request their repeat prescriptions directly from their general practice, rather than allowing a community pharmacy to request prescriptions on their behalf. Nobody knows which medicines you are really running out of better than you (or your carer if you have one). Emergency prescriptions Emergency prescription requests are requests for medication which you have run out of and need, to prevent you becoming severely unwell. Emergency medications include; antiepileptic medication, insulin, inhalers and adrenaline pens for anaphylaxis. Emergency prescription requests cannot be used for medication which has been ordered late. Please respect our staff, as it is your responsibility to ensure that your repeat prescription request is ordered in plenty of time. Private prescriptions A GP in the surgery can only provide a private prescription if the medication is not available on the NHS. A private prescription is not written on an official NHS prescription and so is not paid for by the NHS. A prescription is a legal document for which the doctor, who has issued and signed it, is responsible. A doctor you see privately is unable to issue an NHS prescription. The cost of a private prescription is met wholly by the patient and is dictated by the cost of the medicine plus the pharmacists charge for supplying it. Our fee for issuing patients with a private prescription is £15. Medications that are prescribed by a private doctor may not always be available for prescription on the NHS. If that is the case, we will advise you to obtain these medications from the doctor who prescribed them. If we can prescribe an alternative or generic equivalent on the NHS, we will do so. Collecting your prescription You can usually collect your prescription 2 working days after you have ordered it. 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 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 (nhs.uk) If you would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription: Medication reviews The repeat prescription intervals may vary from one to six months and your doctor will arrange to review your condition at appropriate times depending on the medication you require and whether or not your condition is stable. Prescribing wisely Medicines and products that can be bought over the counter without a prescription. The NHS in Brent, Ealing, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea, and Westminster spent over £13 million in 2016 on products that can be bought without a prescription at community pharmacies. The NHS is under pressure. Our budgets are not large enough to pay for all the treatments we would like to purchase. We would like to spend less on medicines you can buy without a prescription so as to free up funds for other valuable NHS services. So practices across North West London will no longer routinely prescribe medicines which are available to buy over the counter in pharmacies (and, in the case of some medicines, in supermarkets and other shops too). Prescription charges Visit check if you can get free prescriptions – NHS for info on: Prescription charges Who is entitled for free prescriptions Medical exemptions (certain diseases will exempt you from paying for your prescription) Free prescriptions for cancer patients, renal dialysis patients and pregnant women Help for those on low income 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: 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 room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff. Page published: 5 May 2023 Last updated: 17 September 2024