Regular medicines help manage long-term conditions such as high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, thyroid disorders and heart disease. Ordering repeat prescriptions in good time is an important part of taking them safely. It reduces the risk of missed doses, rushed requests and avoidable gaps in treatment.
Regent Pharmacy can help you understand the repeat prescription process, arrange collection or delivery where available, and make sure your prescription is handled appropriately. However, it is important to remember that the pharmacy cannot usually issue your repeat medicines until an authorised prescriber has approved the prescription.
What is a repeat prescription?
A repeat prescription allows you to obtain regular medicines that have already been approved as part of your ongoing treatment. Your GP or another authorised prescriber normally reviews your medicines at appropriate intervals and records which items may be requested again.
Some medicines may be listed as repeat items, while others may be issued only when specifically authorised. Your prescription may also include a review date, quantity or instructions about how often the medicine should be supplied.
A repeat prescription is not an automatic supply of medicine. Each request must be processed, and your prescriber may need to check your medical record, monitoring results or recent reviews before approving it.
How to order your repeat prescription safely
1. Check what you have at home
Before placing an order, check the medicine name, strength, directions and the number of doses remaining. Look at all your regular medicines rather than ordering only the item you notice first. This can help prevent one medicine running out earlier than the rest.
Do not order medicines simply because they appear on an old list if you have been told to stop them, change the dose or use them only for a limited period. If you are unsure whether an item is still part of your treatment, speak to your GP practice, prescriber or pharmacist.
2. Allow enough time
Order your repeat prescription before you are down to your last few doses. You need to allow time for:
- Your request to reach the GP practice or prescribing service.
- The prescription to be clinically checked and authorised.
- The electronic prescription to reach the pharmacy.
- The pharmacy to prepare the medicines and resolve any queries.
- Weekends, bank holidays, stock issues or delivery arrangements.
The exact time required can vary, so check the arrangements with your GP practice and chosen pharmacy. Ordering too late may leave fewer options if there is a problem with the prescription or your medicine is not immediately available.
3. Use an approved ordering method
Many people order repeat prescriptions through their GP practice’s online service or the NHS App, where available. You may also be able to request items through the practice’s usual telephone or in-person process. Follow the instructions provided by your practice and avoid using unofficial websites or links sent in unexpected messages.
If Regent Pharmacy is your nominated pharmacy, your approved electronic prescription can be sent to us directly. Nomination does not mean that the pharmacy can request every prescription automatically, so you may still need to order your medicines through your GP practice or the relevant online service.
If you are unsure how the process works, ask our team for practical guidance. We can explain how electronic prescriptions are received and what information is needed when you contact us.
4. Request only the medicines you need
When ordering online, select the items you currently need rather than automatically requesting every medicine on your repeat list. This helps keep your records accurate and reduces unnecessary medicines at home. It is especially important if your treatment has changed recently.
Do not share your medicines with another person, even if they have similar symptoms. Medicines prescribed for you may not be suitable for someone else and could cause harm.
What happens after you order?
Once the prescription has been authorised and sent electronically, the pharmacy team checks the prescription and prepares the items. This includes reviewing the instructions, quantity and any relevant information available to the pharmacy.
Occasionally, we may need to contact the prescriber or speak with you before supplying the medicine. This could be because the dose appears different, an item is missing, the prescription has expired, monitoring is due, or there is a question about your treatment. These checks are designed to support safe supply, so respond promptly if the pharmacy contacts you.
If an item is temporarily unavailable, the pharmacy team can explain the options. We may be able to order it, discuss a suitable alternative with the prescriber where appropriate, or advise you about the next step. Do not change your dose or stop treatment without professional advice.
Keep your medicines and records organised
Keeping a current medicines list can make repeat ordering safer. Include prescription medicines, inhalers, creams, medicines bought from a shop or pharmacy, vitamins and supplements. Bring the list to appointments and tell your pharmacist or prescriber about any changes.
- Store medicines as advised on the packaging, away from children and pets.
- Keep medicines in their original labelled packaging where possible.
- Check the expiry date and do not use medicines that are damaged or altered.
- Use a reminder, calendar or pharmacy prompt to help you order on time.
- Return unwanted or out-of-date medicines to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
If you use several medicines, ask a pharmacist to review how you take them. We can help identify practical problems, such as confusing labels, difficulty swallowing, missed doses or medicines that are being taken at the wrong time.
If you are close to running out
Contact your GP practice and pharmacy as soon as you realise there may be a gap in treatment. Explain which medicine you need, how many doses you have left and when you last requested it. Do not wait until the medicine has completely run out if you can avoid it.
In some circumstances, a pharmacist may be able to consider an emergency supply request, but this is not guaranteed. A pharmacist must make a professional assessment and may need information from your prescription history or prescriber. Controlled drugs and certain other medicines have additional legal and safety requirements, so they may not be eligible for an emergency supply in the same way as other medicines.
If you have missed a dose, follow the instructions in the patient information leaflet or contact a pharmacist or prescriber for advice. Never take extra doses to make up for missed medicine unless a healthcare professional has specifically told you to do so.
Planning for holidays and changes in routine
Order in good time before travelling and check that you have enough medicine for the whole trip, including a small contingency where appropriate. Ask your GP practice or pharmacist whether you need travel documentation, special storage or advice for carrying particular medicines.
Some medicines may have specific travel or legal requirements, especially controlled drugs. Check the rules for your destination well before departure. If you are moving house, changing pharmacy or staying away for a longer period, tell your GP practice and pharmacy so that your prescription arrangements remain clear.
Get help with your repeat prescription
Safe repeat ordering is a shared process between you, your prescriber and your pharmacy. Ordering early, checking each item and asking questions when something changes can help you continue your treatment without unnecessary interruptions.
If you would like support with your regular medicines or repeat prescription arrangements, book our repeat prescription service at Regent Pharmacy. Our team will be pleased to discuss the process and help you order safely.