Running out of regular medicine just before a bank holiday, weekend or holiday can be stressful. Repeat prescriptions often involve several steps: requesting the medicine, allowing time for the prescriber to approve it, waiting for the prescription to reach the pharmacy and making sure the medicine is available for collection.
Planning ahead helps reduce the risk of missed doses and gives your GP surgery and pharmacy time to deal with any questions or supply issues. This guide explains how to order a repeat prescription safely, what to check before you travel and what to do if you have less medicine than expected.
Check how much medicine you have
Start by checking your supplies several days before a weekend or holiday. Count the tablets, capsules or doses you have left, and consider how many you will need until your next opportunity to collect or receive your prescription.
Do not rely only on the date printed on the box. You may need extra time if:
- your GP surgery or pharmacy will be closed for a bank holiday;
- you are travelling and will be away from home;
- the medicine needs to be ordered by the pharmacy;
- your prescription needs clarification or an authorisation from your prescriber;
- you use more than one pharmacy or receive some medicines separately.
It is usually sensible to request a repeat prescription when you have enough medicine for several days, rather than waiting until the final dose. The exact timing depends on your prescription arrangements and the medicine you take. If you are unsure, ask your pharmacy or GP surgery how much notice they need.
Order your repeat prescription through the correct route
Most repeat prescriptions are requested from your GP surgery, commonly through the NHS App, your GP practice’s online service or a repeat request slip. Some people may be able to request their medicines through a pharmacy, depending on the arrangements in place with their GP practice.
When ordering, request only the medicines you need. Check the names, strengths, quantities and directions against your current medicines. If something has changed, or if you think an item is missing, contact the GP surgery or speak to a pharmacist rather than adding a different medicine without advice.
Allow time for each part of the process. A pharmacy cannot normally issue a repeat prescription before it has been authorised by the prescriber and sent to the pharmacy. If you submit a request close to a weekend or public holiday, there may be fewer working days for the request to be processed.
Make sure your nominated pharmacy is correct
If you use an NHS electronic prescription, it may be sent to your nominated pharmacy. Check that the nomination is still correct, particularly if you have moved, are staying elsewhere or normally collect from a different pharmacy.
If you want your prescription sent to Regent Pharmacy in Regent Square, Northampton, ask your GP surgery about nominating the pharmacy or changing your nomination. You can also contact the pharmacy if you need help understanding the prescription process.
Tell the pharmacy about your plans
If you are going away, tell the pharmacy when you will be travelling and how long you expect to be away. This can help the team identify potential problems, such as a medicine that needs to be ordered, an item that is temporarily unavailable or a prescription that requires further information.
Take care when requesting an early supply. The pharmacy may need to check the prescription directions, the date of your last supply and whether the quantity requested is appropriate. Some medicines, including certain controlled drugs, have additional legal and clinical requirements. An early supply may not always be possible, so request it as soon as you know your travel dates.
Do not assume that all items on a repeat prescription will be ready at the same time. If one medicine is not available, the pharmacy may need to order it, contact the prescriber or discuss an alternative supply. Ask when the remaining items are expected and what you should do if you will be away before they arrive.
Check your medicine before leaving
When collecting your prescription, check each item before you leave the pharmacy. Look at the medicine name, strength, quantity and directions. If the packaging or instructions look different, ask the pharmacist to explain the change. Do not take a medicine you do not recognise until you have confirmed what it is.
Make sure you have enough medicine for the whole trip, plus a small amount in case of travel disruption. Do not stockpile medicines or change your dose to make them last longer. If you accidentally receive an incorrect quantity, or if you are unsure whether you have enough, speak to the pharmacy promptly.
For travel, keep medicines in their original labelled packaging where possible. Carry them in your hand luggage rather than placing them in checked baggage, and keep a current medication list with you. If you use insulin, inhalers, injectable medicines or medicines requiring refrigeration, ask a pharmacist for specific storage and travel advice.
If you are running out of medicine
If you have missed the usual ordering window, contact your pharmacy and GP surgery as soon as possible. Explain the medicine, strength, dose, how many doses you have left and when you need it. A pharmacist can advise on the most appropriate next step.
In some circumstances, a pharmacist may be able to provide an emergency supply of a medicine. This is not automatic. The pharmacist must make a clinical assessment and may need to confirm your treatment with your GP surgery or another reliable source. The supply may be limited, and some medicines have specific restrictions.
If the pharmacy cannot provide what you need, or if you have run out outside normal opening hours, contact NHS 111 for advice about urgent medicines support. If you have severe symptoms, an immediate medical concern or symptoms caused by missing an important medicine, seek urgent medical help. Do not stop regular treatment suddenly unless a healthcare professional tells you to do so.
Keep your repeat prescription details up to date
Regularly review your repeat medicines with your GP or pharmacist. Tell them about any side effects, changes in your health, hospital appointments or medicines supplied by another healthcare provider. This helps keep your repeat list accurate and reduces the chance of requesting something you no longer take.
- Keep a current list of your medicines and doses.
- Store your prescription and pharmacy contact details somewhere easy to find.
- Order before your supply becomes urgent, especially before bank holidays.
- Check whether your pharmacy will be open when you need to collect.
- Ask questions if a medicine, label or quantity seems different.
Plan your next repeat prescription with Regent Pharmacy
Regent Pharmacy can help you prepare for weekends, bank holidays and travel by discussing your repeat prescription requirements and advising on the next steps. For practical support with your regular medicines, book a repeat prescription service with Regent Pharmacy.