Using Your Pharmacy
How do repeat prescriptions work?
By Pick My Pharmacy Editorial · Updated 9 July 2026
Requesting a repeat prescription
Your GP surgery issues a repeat prescription list for regular medication. You can request the next batch online through your surgery's system, via the NHS App, over the phone, or by asking your nominated pharmacy to order it directly with your GP on your behalf.
Getting it dispensed
Once ordered, your GP approves the prescription and it's sent electronically to your nominated pharmacy through the Electronic Prescription Service. The pharmacy dispenses it, ready for collection or delivery — no paper prescription changes hands.
Timing it right
Order a few working days before you run out to allow for processing and dispensing time, especially around bank holidays. Running critically low is riskier with items in short supply — see what to do if your medication is out of stock.
People Also Ask
Can my pharmacy order my repeat prescription for me?
Yes, if you're registered with them for this service, many pharmacies will request your repeat prescription from your GP on your behalf, so you don't need to contact the surgery yourself.
Why might my GP stop a repeat prescription?
GPs periodically review repeat medicines and may ask you to book a check-up before reissuing — this is a normal safety check, particularly for medicines that need monitoring.
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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 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 ourmethodology.