Many of our patients need prescriptions on a regular basis. It is very much up to the discretion of the doctor who signs the prescription to decide if it is to be issued and how much to issue.
We often will put a message on a prescription that perhaps you need a blood test or another check or need to see a doctor before anything further is issues. We may also put on information, for example it is time to get an influenza vaccination.
Repeat prescriptions are medications which appear on the white or right hand side of your prescription which your doctor would like you to continue on a regular basis.
Ordering repeat prescriptions
The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:
- using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App)
- using the GP online system: Patient Access
- in person (over 75 only) – fill in a prescription request form or underline the items needed on the tear-off side of your prescription and drop it into the surgery. Please do not order any medications you do not need
- via post – if a stamped addressed envelope is supplied, your prescription can be returned via Royal Mail.
Out of hours medicines
There is of course a huge range of useful non-prescription medicines available at pharmacists, but if you run out of a regular prescription medicines you can obtain a supply out of hours without a prescription from a pharmacist or other source so you should never be without – this could be dangerous.
Out of hours emergency contraception
There are a variety of methods available, but it is essential you use it as soon as possible after the event for best results.
You can get the emergency contraceptive pill and the IUD for free from:
- GP – we will always fit you in urgently, please ask at reception.
- Find sexual health services
- Some young people’s clinics – phone 0800 567123
You can also get the emergency contraceptive pill free from:
- Some pharmacies
- Most NHS walk-in centres and minor injuries units
- Some Accident and Emergency departments
Over the counter
Many excellent and important medicines are available over the counter (OTC) at pharmacies. They do not need to be prescribed by a doctor and indeed you can save yourself a lot of money as many are cheaper than the prescription charge.
Private prescriptions
Private prescriptions from another doctor should normally be cashed at a pharmacy. We are not obliged to convert these to NHS prescriptions. Once you are established on the medicines, we can provide repeat prescriptions on the NHS as normal, provided we have received written information from that doctor and that we judge the prescription is appropriate. Some prescriptions may be for medication which is not in our practice drug formulary and we may substitute it for something similar.
Hospital outpatient prescriptions
These are commonly given as requests to the GP to prescribe, though sometimes the prescription will be intended for dispensing at the hospital pharmacy, especially if the need is urgent or the drugs are for hospital supply only.
Synchronising medicines
Ask us to help synchronise your medicines so you can request them all in one go.
Certain medicines such as the contraceptive pill or HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) can be supplied in 6 month quantities for your convenience but to do this the nurse or doctor may need to see you.
Non-repeat medicines, which you may have only occasionally, can be requested on a medication request form or on-line request but we may ask to see you.
Medications abroad
Taking your medication abroad may require you to take a letter of authorisation with you, even in Europe. Every country has its own rules and it can be complex. Make sure you check in good time.
Prescribing wisely
The NHS in NW London CCGs: Brent, Ealing, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea, and Westminster spent over £13 million in 2016 on products that can be bought without a prescription at community pharmacies.
The NHS is under pressure. Our budgets are not large enough to pay for all the treatments the public would like us to provide. We would therefore like to spend less on medicines you can buy without a prescription to free up funds for other valuable NHS services.
Practices across North West London are being asked to stop routinely prescribing medicines which are available to buy over the counter in pharmacies (and, in the case of some medicines, in supermarkets and other shops too). If a medicine you need can be bought without a prescription, your GP may ask if you are willing to buy it. If you are not willing to buy it, it will be prescribed.
Collecting your prescription
You can usually collect your prescription 2 working days after you have ordered it.
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 app or website where you order repeat prescriptions
- at the surgery or use our eConsult service
- at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions
Questions about your prescription
If you have questions about your medicine, your local pharmacists 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.
Go to Medicines A to Z (nhs.uk)
If you would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription:
- use our eConsult service
Medication reviews
Medication reviews are needed, usually every 6 or 12 months and we shall ask you to make an appointment with the doctor or nurse. There are certain important checks we need to perform to ensure your medicines are still doing their job and are not causing any problems and that your condition is monitored. When the computer indicates a review is due, please do not delay as the computer blocks any further issues once you are overdue. If you have been unable to come in time, please never stop your medicines; let us know the circumstances and we shall issue a prescription to keep you going.
Prescription charges
Find out more about prescription charges (nhs.uk).
What to do with old medicines
Take it to the pharmacy you got it from or bring it in to the surgery. Do not put it in your household bin or flush it down the toilet.
About pharmacists
As qualified healthcare professionals, pharmacists can offer advice on minor illnesses such as:
- coughs
- colds
- sore throats
- tummy trouble
- aches and pains
They can also advise on medicine that you can buy without a prescription.
Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.
Most pharmacies have a private room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff.
