An evergreen guide for UK patients · Last reviewed June 2026
An NHS prescription is a written authorisation from a registered prescriber that allows you to get medicine from a pharmacy. This guide explains how to get one, how to manage repeat prescriptions, and how to use online ordering services that the NHS has rolled out to make repeat prescriptions easier.
In England, prescriptions are issued by GPs, hospital doctors, dentists, pharmacist prescribers, nurse prescribers, and other registered healthcare professionals. After a consultation, the prescriber sends your prescription electronically to your nominated pharmacy through the NHS Electronic Prescription Service (EPS). You can then collect your medicine, or have it delivered by an online NHS pharmacy.
If you take long-term medication, your GP can set up a repeat prescription. This means you can re-order the same medication without booking a new appointment, typically every one or two months. You can request repeats through the NHS App, your GP surgery website, or by contacting the surgery directly. Some online NHS pharmacies will also manage the entire process for you, including reminding you when a re-order is due.
A standard NHS prescription is valid for six months from the date it is issued, unless it is for a controlled drug (in which case it is shorter, typically 28 days). After the validity period expires, you will need a new prescription.
If you have run out of medicine and cannot wait, you can ask any NHS-contracted community pharmacy about emergency supply. The pharmacist may be able to supply a small amount of your usual prescription medicine without a new prescription, at their discretion. You can also call NHS 111 for help arranging an urgent prescription out of hours.
NHS-contracted online pharmacies such as Pharmacy2U, LloydsDirect and Chemist4U let you order repeat prescriptions through their website or app and have them delivered free to your home. You will need to nominate them as your dispensing pharmacy in the NHS App or with your GP. See our online pharmacies guide for a side-by-side comparison.