Repeat prescriptions directly from your pharmacist (Serial prescriptions)
With a serial prescription, you can get medicines directly from your pharmacist without the need to ask your doctor for a prescription. A serial prescription can only be dispensed from the pharmacy where you are registered.
This information is available in other languages.
Collecting a serial prescription
Your doctor will decide how often you should collect your prescription, for example every 4 or 8 weeks.
Your pharmacist will know when your supply is low and should have your prescription ready for you when you need it. Your pharmacist will also use this to have a short discussion with you in relation to your care plan.
Ordering a serial prescription
At the end of your prescription, your pharmacist will ask you to sign the serial prescription form and will tell your doctor you have require a new prescription.
Your pharmacist may ask your doctor for a new serial prescription, or give you a re-order form to take to your doctor’s surgery. Your doctor may request that you attend for a review in the surgery before they issue the next prescription as part of your ongoing medical care.
A serial prescription is a prescription for medicines to treat long-term conditions. These prescriptions last for 24, 48 or 56 weeks.
Changes to medication
Your doctor can stop or change your serial prescription at any time. If this happens:
- your doctor will tell you and your pharmacist
- you'll no longer be able to get these medicines from your pharmacist as part of your serial prescription
- the doctor may change your medication back to a normal repeat until he is happy that the medication is best for you