What Are Repeat Prescriptions?
Repeat prescriptions are for medications you take regularly for long-term (chronic) health conditions. Instead of seeing your GP every time you need a refill, your doctor adds approved medications to your "repeat prescription list". You can then reorder these medications directly without appointments.
Common examples include medications for diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, thyroid conditions, heart disease, arthritis, and depression. Once a medication is on your repeat list, you can reorder it as many times as needed, though your GP will review your medications periodically (usually every 6-12 months).
The NHS Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) makes managing repeat prescriptions even easier by sending your prescription digitally from your GP to your chosen pharmacy, eliminating paper prescriptions entirely.
How to Order Repeat Prescriptions
NHS App
Official NHS app for ordering repeat prescriptions, viewing medical records, and managing appointments.
Instant orderingGP Online Services
Your GP surgery website or patient portal for online prescription ordering and management.
24/7 accessPharmacy Websites
Online pharmacies like Echo, Pharmacy2U, and Well Pharmacy manage repeat prescriptions automatically.
Auto-refill availablePhone or Post
Traditional methods - call your GP surgery or post your repeat slip for processing.
2-3 day processingAllow Plenty of Time
Order at least 3-5 working days before you run out of medication. GP surgeries need 2-3 days to process your request, plus time for your pharmacy to prepare it. Running out of essential medication can be dangerous.
Electronic Prescription Service (EPS)
What is EPS?
The Electronic Prescription Service is the NHS digital prescription system. Your GP sends prescriptions electronically to your chosen pharmacy - no paper prescription needed. It's faster, more secure, and you can't lose your prescription.
Benefits of EPS:
- No paper prescriptions to carry or lose
- Faster processing - prescription sent instantly to pharmacy
- More secure and reduces prescription fraud
- Pharmacy can prepare your medication before you arrive
- Easier to set up prescription delivery services
How to Nominate a Pharmacy:
- Download the NHS App or visit your GP surgery
- Choose your preferred local pharmacy
- All future electronic prescriptions go there automatically
- Change your nomination anytime if you move or prefer a different pharmacy
Step-by-Step: Ordering Repeat Prescriptions
Check What's on Your Repeat List
Look at your repeat prescription slip (if you have a paper one), check the NHS App, or log into your GP's online services to see which medications you can reorder. Only medications your GP has added to your repeat list can be ordered this way.
Choose Your Ordering Method
Use the NHS App (fastest), your GP's website, call the surgery, post your repeat slip, or use an online pharmacy service. Digital methods are quickest and available 24/7.
Select Medications Needed
Only order what you actually need. Don't order medications you've stopped taking or have plenty of. Over-ordering wastes NHS resources and your prescription charges (if you pay).
Wait for GP to Process
GP surgeries typically take 2-3 working days to review and authorize your repeat prescription request. They check it's safe and appropriate before issuing.
Collect from Pharmacy
Your pharmacy will notify you when your medication is ready (text, call, or app notification). Collect it during pharmacy opening hours or arrange delivery if available. Bring payment if you pay prescription charges.
Tips for Managing Repeat Prescriptions
Order Before You Run Out
Set a reminder when you have 7-10 days of medication left. This gives enough time for processing and collection without running out.
Use the NHS App
The official NHS App is the easiest way to manage repeat prescriptions. Order anytime, track your requests, and see when they're ready.
Attend Medication Reviews
Your GP will want to review your repeat medications every 6-12 months to ensure they're still appropriate. Don't skip these appointments.
Check Before Holidays
Order early before holidays when surgeries may be closed. Your GP can issue extra medication if you'll be away when your next prescription is due.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are repeat prescriptions?
Repeat prescriptions are for medications you take regularly for ongoing (chronic) health conditions like diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, or thyroid disorders. Once your GP adds a medication to your "repeat prescription list", you can reorder it without needing a new GP appointment each time.
How do I order repeat prescriptions?
You can order through the NHS App (recommended), your GP's online services, by calling the surgery, posting your repeat slip, or via online pharmacies. Most methods take 2-3 working days before your prescription is ready to collect or deliver.
What is the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS)?
EPS is the NHS digital prescription system that sends your prescription electronically from your GP to your nominated pharmacy. You don't need to collect a paper prescription - just wait for your pharmacy to notify you it's ready. It's faster, more secure, and you can't lose the prescription.
How do I nominate a pharmacy for electronic prescriptions?
You can nominate your preferred pharmacy through the NHS App, at your GP surgery, or by telling the pharmacy directly. Once nominated, all your electronic prescriptions will automatically go there. You can change your nomination anytime.
How long do repeat prescriptions take to process?
GP surgeries typically need 2-3 working days to process repeat prescription requests. Urgent requests may be faster but should be avoided if possible. Order early to avoid running out. Your pharmacy will then need time to prepare the medication (usually same day or next day).
Can I get my repeat prescriptions delivered?
Yes. Many local pharmacies offer delivery (often free for elderly or housebound patients). Online pharmacies like Echo, Pharmacy2U, and Well Pharmacy offer free postal delivery to everyone. Delivery typically takes 3-5 working days.
How often can I reorder repeat prescriptions?
This depends on your medication and what your GP prescribed. Most repeat prescriptions are for 28 days (1 month) or 56 days (2 months) supply. You can only reorder when you're running low - not too early. Controlled drugs have stricter timing rules.
What if I lose my repeat prescription slip?
If you have a paper repeat slip and lose it, contact your GP surgery to request a new one or switch to electronic prescriptions. If you're registered for online services or the NHS App, you can order without the paper slip.
Can I collect repeat prescriptions from any pharmacy?
For electronic prescriptions, you can only collect from your nominated pharmacy unless you change your nomination. For paper prescriptions, you can take them to any pharmacy. Some medications may not be in stock everywhere.
What happens to repeat prescriptions during holidays?
If you're going on holiday, plan ahead and order early. GPs can issue extra medication if you'll be away when your next prescription is due. Some surgeries close for training days or bank holidays, so allow extra time. If abroad, you'll need to arrange prescriptions in advance.
Find Your Local Pharmacy
Nominate a pharmacy for electronic prescriptions and set up repeat prescription collection or delivery.
Find Pharmacy Near You