How to Order Repeat Prescriptions

A practical guide for patients and carers

Why Plan Ahead?

It is recommended that repeat prescriptions are ordered at least 7 days before you run out of medication. This allows time for:

• The GP practice to process the request
• The prescription to be sent to the pharmacy
• The pharmacy to prepare and check the medicines

Health and Social Care Northern Ireland advises allowing 5 to 7 working days for the full process. It is especially important to order earlier before weekends, bank holidays, or planned travel. 

Option 1: Order by Telephone

Many GP practices provide a repeat prescription telephone line.

How to Order

1. Call your GP practice's repeat prescription line.
2. Have your:
   • Name
   • Date of birth
   • Address (if requested)
   • Medication names ready
3. Clearly state only the medicines you require.
4. Make a note of the date ordered.

Best Practice

• Order at least 7 days before medicines are due to run out.
• Avoid leaving requests until the last minute.
• Check your practice's specific opening times for prescription requests.

Option 2: Order Using Your Repeat Slip

How to Order

1. Locate your repeat prescription request slip.
2. Tick only the items you need.
3. Return the slip to:
   • Your GP Practice
4. Record the date you submitted it.

Health and Social Care Northern Ireland recommends ticking only the medicines you currently need to help reduce waste.

Option 3: Order Online

Many GP practices in Northern Ireland offer online repeat prescription services. Patients must be registered with the practice's online system to use these services.

Methods Available

• GP Practice Online Services
• Patient Access App (where supported)
• Practice-specific apps or websites
• Email (if your GP practice accepts prescription requests by email)

How to Order

1. Log into the approved service.
2. Select "Repeat Prescriptions."
3. Tick the medicines required.
4. Submit the request.
5. Save or screenshot the confirmation.

First-Time Setup

You may need:

• A registration letter or code from your GP Practice
• Proof of identity

GP online services are available through participating practices across Northern Ireland. 

Setting a Reminder in Your Calendar

To avoid missing an order:

Calendar

1. Get your Calendar.
2. Work out how many days supply of medicine you have.
   • Order Repeat Prescription"
3. Work out the reorder date:
   • 7 to 10 days before medication runs out.
4. Write – Reorder Medicines
5. If easier keep a copy of reorder form attached to calendar

Smartphone Calendar

1. Open your Calendar app.
2. Create an event called Order Medication.
3. Set it to repeat every month or every 8 weeks, depending on your prescription cycle.
4. Add a notification alert.

How to Reconcile When the Prescription Has Been Received

Keeping a simple record helps avoid missed or duplicate orders.

Step 1: Check the Prescription

Confirm that all requested items appear on the prescription.

Step 2: Compare Against Your Request

Use a simple checklist:

Step 3: Check the Dispensed Medicines

Before leaving the pharmacy:

• Check each medicine is present.
• Check strengths and quantities.
• Check any special items (inhalers, creams, insulin, etc.).

HSC Northern Ireland advises checking that all items are present before leaving the pharmacy.

Step 4: Record Collection Date

Keep a note of:

• Date ordered
• Date received
• Any missing items

Step 5: Follow Up Promptly

If an item is missing:

• Contact the pharmacy first.
• If the pharmacy has not received the prescription, contact your GP practice.

Quick Checklist

•  Order 7 days before medicines run out
•  Use phone, repeat slip, online service, or approved email route
•  Add a reminder on calendar/phone etc
•  Check all medicines when collected
•  Record order and collection dates
•  Follow up immediately on missing items

This approach works well for individual patients, carers, and services such as monitored dosage systems or medication trays.