How Do Repeat Prescriptions Work?

Repeat prescriptions allow patients who regularly take prescribed medicines to order further supplies without needing to see a GP for a new consultation each time. Once a medicine has been approved as a repeat prescription, you can usually request it through your GP surgery, the NHS App or another online service, with your prescription then sent to your nominated pharmacy.

The Good Practice offers repeat prescriptions in Radlett, Hertfordshire based out of our practice which has an in-house pharmacy. For any enquiries, please call us on 01923 850 999.

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Key takeaways

• Repeat prescriptions are designed for people who need regular medication for an ongoing condition.
• You will normally need regular medication reviews to make sure your treatment is still appropriate.
• Repeat prescriptions can be available through the NHS, although some medicines and services may be provided privately.

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What can I get a repeat prescription for?

Repeat prescriptions are generally used for medicines that you need to take regularly over a longer period. These can include:

• Medicines for high blood pressure
• Cholesterol-lowering medicines
• Diabetes medication
• Asthma inhalers
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Contraceptive medication
• Medicines for long-term pain or other ongoing conditions
• Thyroid medication, such as levothyroxine
• Antidepressants, such as sertraline or citalopram
• Anticoagulants (blood-thinning medicines), such as warfarin or apixaban
• Medicines for epilepsy, such as lamotrigine or levetiracetam
• Medicines for osteoporosis and bone health, such as alendronic acid or calcium and vitamin D supplements

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Whether a medicine can be prescribed on repeat will depend on your individual circumstances and the decision of the prescribing clinician.

The scale of repeat prescribing is significant. In England, 1.26 billion prescription items were dispensed in the community during 2024/25, an increase of 4% compared with the previous year.

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How does a repeat prescription work?

When a clinician decides that you need regular medication, they can add it to your repeat prescription list. You can then request another supply when you are running low.

You do not normally need another GP appointment every time you need your medicine. The NHS recommends requesting a repeat prescription up to five working days before you need your medication.

Today, many patients manage this process online. In the 12 months to November 2025, 67.8 million repeat prescriptions were ordered through the NHS App.

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Do I need a doctor's letter for repeat prescriptions?

Usually, no. If a medicine has already been prescribed for you as a repeat medication, you generally do not need a doctor's letter each time you request another supply.

Your GP practice or prescribing clinician will have your prescription information on your medical record. They can check what you have been prescribed and whether you are due a review.

If you are asking a new healthcare provider to prescribe medication that you have previously received elsewhere, you may need evidence of your prescription or medical history.

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How often should I be assessed for a repeat prescription?

You might be reviewed for a repeat prescription every few weeks, months or years depending on the direction of your doctor. How often you should be reviewed depends on the medication, your condition, your health and whether you are experiencing any side effects or changes in your symptoms.

NICE recommends that medicines are reviewed at regular intervals, with particular attention given to people with long-term conditions or those taking multiple medicines.

A medication review can check whether your medicine is still working, whether the dose remains appropriate and whether you need monitoring or a different treatment.

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Can I get repeat prescriptions on the NHS?

Yes. If you are eligible for NHS treatment and your clinician considers the medication appropriate, repeat prescriptions can be provided through the NHS.

You can usually order an NHS repeat prescription through the NHS App, your GP surgery's online service or by following your practice's usual ordering process. You can also choose a nominated pharmacy to collect your medication.

NHS England reported that 98.9% of GP practices offered patients the ability to order repeat prescriptions online in 2024, of which 4.6 million repeat prescriptions.

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Are all repeat prescriptions private?

No. Repeat prescriptions are not automatically private. Many regular medicines are prescribed through the NHS when they are clinically appropriate and the patient is eligible for NHS care.

Private repeat prescriptions are also available in certain circumstances. For example, someone may choose to use a private healthcare provider for a medication or treatment that they are not receiving through the NHS.

The important point is that having a repeat prescription does not determine whether the treatment is NHS or private. The route through which the medicine is prescribed and the reason for the treatment determine this.

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What happens if my prescription needs changing?

A repeat prescription is not a guarantee that you will receive exactly the same medicine forever. Your clinician may change the medication, alter the dose or stop the prescription if your circumstances change.

This is why regular reviews are important. NICE describes a structured medication review as an assessment designed to make sure medicines are appropriate, effective and safe, while also considering the patient's views and any monitoring that may be needed.

If you have questions about your medication, side effects or whether you still need a particular medicine, speak to your GP, pharmacist or another qualified healthcare professional rather than simply stopping treatment yourself.

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