How can I order my prescription?
- Using the NHS App
- Completing our online request form
- In-person at the surgery
- Through your pharmacy
- Over the phone
- Via email
How to order your prescription in the NHS App
Text transcript
You can order your repeat prescription on the NHS App.
On the homepage, select Request repeat prescriptions. You will see, or can change, your nominated pharmacy. Then select Continue.
You will see your medicines – select what you need, then select Continue. If you’re happy with the details, select Request prescriptions.
Your prescription has now been requested. You can find out what to do next, see the status of your request, and see that the medicine you requested is waiting for approval. If you need help, you can visit nhs.uk/nhsapp.
Collecting your prescription
You can collect your repeat prescription from the pharmacy 5 to 6 working days after you order it.
We need 2 working days to process your request. The pharmacy needs around 3 working days to prepare it for you.
If your doctor or nurse has prescribed a short-term medication for collection same-day, your pharmacy will still need time to prepare your medicines. If you need your medicines urgently, contact your pharmacy.
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 NHS App when you order repeat prescriptions
- At the GP surgery
- At the pharmacy you want to nominate
Most pharmacies now send you a text message or email when your medication is ready to collect.
You can also view your prescriptions on the NHS App. Go to Your Health > View and manage prescriptions > Your approved prescriptions.
Questions about your prescription
If you have questions about your medicine, your local pharmacy 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.
Medication reviews
If you have a repeat prescription, we may ask you to come in for a regular review. We will tell you when you need to come in for a review.
Prescription charges
Find out more about prescription charges
What to do with old medicines
Take it to the pharmacy or bring it in to the surgery. Do not put it in your bin or flush it down the toilet.
About pharmacists
Pharmacists are trained to give advice on common conditions. They can also suggest medicines that can help.
They can offer you medicine without a prescription for things like:
- Aches and pains
- Coughs and colds
- Hayfever
Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment. Find a pharmacy (nhs.uk)
Most pharmacies have a private room where you can discuss your problem without being overheard.
Pharmacists may be able to give you prescription medicine for seven common conditions, without you needing to see a GP. This is called Pharmacy First.
If they can’t help, they might refer you to a GP or another healthcare professional.
The pharmacy will update your GP record when they see you.