Prescriptions

Ordering repeat prescriptions

The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:

  • using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App)

Alternatively:

We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone or email.

Collecting your prescription

You can usually collect your prescription from the pharmacy 5 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 your GP practice
  • at any pharmacy that accepts repeat prescriptions

Greener Medication Practice

Environmentally Friendly Medication Practices

Some inhalers use propellants that are powerful greenhouse gases. These gases can harm the environment, even after the inhaler is empty. However, they are safe for you when using the inhaler.

Please do not throw used inhalers in your household waste or recycling bins. This can release leftover gases and plastics into the environment. Instead, return your used inhalers to a pharmacy. Pharmacies will safely dispose of them by incineration, which prevents these gases from entering the atmosphere and keeps plastics out of landfill.

See this inhaler poster for more information about your inhalers and their environmental impact. Please do not change how you use your inhaler without talking to a healthcare professional.
Each year, 23 million medical pens are incinerated or sent to landfill in the UK. To reduce this waste, Novo Nordisk has started a recycling scheme called PenCycle for their drug delivery pens.

You can drop off Novo Nordisk pens at Boots in Wantage (50-51 Market Place, Wantage, OX12 8AW). Please remove the needle before returning your pen, as it cannot be recycled with the needle attached. 
Return any unused medications, including hormone patches and empty gel packets, to a pharmacy for safe disposal. This helps prevent contamination of land and water.

Please avoid stockpiling medication. Review what is on your repeat prescription and only order what you need. If you have stopped taking a medication, tell your GP and do not order more to help reduce waste.

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.

If you would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription:

Medication reviews

If you are on repeat medication, you will be asked to have a review at least once a year. Some medicines might need more regular checks. A message will appear on your repeat prescription order page when a review is due.

These medication reviews are usually done by a GP or Pharmacists. They can be face-to-face appointments or conducted over the phone.

Sometimes, our nurses will review your medication if you are attending one of our specialist clinics, such as for diabetes or asthma. If you are not sure who will review your medication, it is always good to check.

Please book an appointment as soon as you see the message on your prescription order page. This could be a telephone consultation or a face-to-face appointment to ensure there are no delays with your prescriptions.

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 consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.