# How Do I Switch Pharmacies? | Pick My Pharmacy

URL: https://pickmypharmacy.co.uk/answers/how-do-i-switch-pharmacies/
Description: Switching pharmacies is as simple as updating your nominated pharmacy — no need to inform your old pharmacy or GP separately.

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Using Your Pharmacy

# How do I switch pharmacies?

By [Kaiser Khan](/author/kaiser-khan/) · Updated 9 July 2026

In short

To switch pharmacies, simply update your nominated pharmacy with the new one — either in person, via the NHS App, or by asking the new pharmacy to set it up for you. Your GP will automatically start sending prescriptions to the new pharmacy instead.

At a glance

- ·No need to tell your old pharmacy you're leaving
- ·Update your nomination in person, via the NHS App, or by phone
- ·Takes effect almost immediately
- ·Your prescription history doesn't need to be transferred manually
- ·You can switch as often as you like, free of charge

## The simplest way to switch

Visit or contact your new preferred pharmacy and ask to be set up as a nominated patient. They'll handle the paperwork, and your GP surgery's system will automatically update to send future prescriptions there instead of your old pharmacy.

## What happens to your old pharmacy

You don't need to inform your previous pharmacy — once your nomination changes, they simply stop receiving your prescriptions. Any medication you've already collected from them is unaffected.

## Choosing a new pharmacy

Consider opening hours, delivery options, whether they offer services you use regularly (like Pharmacy First or a private consultation room), and check their GPhC registration if you're unfamiliar with them.

Next step

## Compare Pharmacies for What You Need

See NHS services, private prices, and reviews side by side — GPhC-checked, free, and no obligation. Pharmacies you don't pick never see your details.
[Browse pharmacies](/pharmacies/)[Prescription Cost calculators →](/calculators/)
## People Also Ask
Will switching pharmacies affect my repeat prescriptions?+
No — once your nomination updates, your GP simply sends future repeat prescriptions to the new pharmacy instead. There's no gap in service as long as you switch before you're due your next batch.
Can I switch to an online pharmacy?+
Yes, most GPhC-registered online pharmacies can be set up as your nominated pharmacy in the same way as a local one.

Keep reading

- [What is a nominated pharmacy?](/answers/what-is-a-nominated-pharmacy/)
- [How do I find a good pharmacy near me?](/answers/how-do-i-find-a-good-pharmacy-near-me/)
- [Find a pharmacy near you](/pharmacies/)
- [Compare pharmacies](/compare/)

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This article is general information for UK patients, not medical advice, and NHS rules and charges change — confirm current rules on [nhs.uk](https://www.nhs.uk) or speak to a pharmacist or GP before acting. For urgent medical help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency. Price figures are indicative benchmarks from our[methodology](/methodology/).