How to order a repeat prescription online
Order repeat medicines through the NHS App or your GP's online service and have them sent electronically to your chosen pharmacy, no paper slip needed.
- Time
- 5 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Cost
- Low cost
- Steps
- 5
- Checked
What you’ll need
- A smartphone, tablet or computer
- NHS login (set up in the NHS App)
- Registration with a GP surgery in England
Safety first
- Don't stop or change medicines without speaking to your GP or pharmacist.
- If you've run out of an essential medicine and the surgery is closed, contact NHS 111 or a pharmacist about an emergency supply.
Step by step
-
Step 1: Set up the NHS App
Download the NHS App and create an NHS login. You'll need to prove your identity, usually with photo ID and a short video or photo, or with help from your GP surgery.
Next: step 2 -
Step 2: Choose a nominated pharmacy
In the app, go to Prescriptions and choose the pharmacy you want prescriptions sent to. It can be a local high street pharmacy or an online pharmacy that delivers.
Next: step 3 -
Step 3: Request your repeat medicines
Go to Prescriptions, choose order a repeat prescription, tick the medicines you need and add a note for the GP if necessary. Only medicines your GP has set up as repeats will appear.
Next: step 4 -
Step 4: Allow time
Your GP needs to approve the request, then the pharmacy needs to prepare it. Order several working days before you run out; your surgery will tell you how much notice it needs.
Next: step 5 -
Step 5: Track and collect
You can check the status in the app. The pharmacy may text you when it's ready. If you pay for prescriptions, you'll pay at the pharmacy unless you're exempt or have a prepayment certificate.
Tips
- Some GP surgeries use other apps or their own website for ordering; ask reception.
- Set a phone reminder a week before your medicine runs out.
- Ask your GP or pharmacist about electronic repeat dispensing if you take the same medicines long-term.
When to call a professional
Speak to your pharmacist or GP if you have questions about your medicines or side effects.
Questions people ask
A medicine isn't in my list. Why?
It may not be set up as a repeat, or it needs a review. Contact your surgery.
Can I order for someone I care for?
Yes, you can be given proxy access to another person's NHS App account; ask their GP surgery.
Sources
Checked 9 October 2026. We wrote this guide in our own words, using:
- NHS App: Prescriptions in the NHS App (nhs.uk)
- NHS: Prescriptions (nhs.uk)
- NHS: When to use NHS 111 (nhs.uk)
Was this guide helpful?
Report a problem with this guide
Printed from howtoguides.uk/guides/how-to-order-a-repeat-prescription-online/ · Checked 9 October 2026 · General information only. For gas, electrics, structural work, medical, legal or money decisions, use a qualified professional.