What is repeat dispensing?
Repeat dispensing allows prescribers to issue a batch of prescriptions for a medication which
needs to be taken by the patient regularly. This allows the pharmacy to dispense your
prescription at regular intervals for the number of batch prescriptions provided by the
prescriber. An NHS repeatable prescription needs to be dispensed for the first time within six
months of being written and can then only be dispensed subsequently for up to a year from
being written or until any expiry date specified by the prescriber, whichever is less.
Benefits of repeat dispensing prescriptions
The advantage for you as a patient is that you don’t have to request or visit your doctor every
time your prescription medicine runs out. The pharmacy will keep a batch of prescriptions,
which you can collect at regular intervals. If there are any changes in your medication, you
suffer any adverse effects or your condition is not sufficiently controlled by your medication,
please speak to your pharmacist or contact your doctor.
Electronic repeat dispensing prescription
Repeat dispensing can also be done now as an electronic prescription. The prescriber sends
your repeat dispensing prescription to your nominated pharmacy and they will be able to
dispense in regular intervals just like from a paper prescription.There are many advantages
of repeat dispensing and electronic prescription service (EPS), if you get regular medication.
Speak to a member of staff about repeat dispensing and electronic prescription service for
more details.
