NHS Repeat Prescriptions: A Quick Guide
Managing your medication should be simple. Here’s what you need to know about NHS prescriptions in the UK, including costs,
March 5, 2025
Managing your medication should be simple. Here’s what you need to know about NHS prescriptions in the UK, including costs,
Prescription medications can impair your ability to drive safely by affecting your coordination, reaction times, and judgement. Even if you don’t feel impaired, the medication could still be affecting you.
A private prescription is a medication you pay for in full, prescribed during a private medical consultation. Unlike NHS prescriptions, which are subsidised by the government, private prescriptions are not.
Prescriptions are like written orders from your doctor that allow you to get specific medications from a pharmacy. They’re important because they help make sure you get the right medicine for your condition. Not all drugs are safe for everyone, so your doctor considers things like your medical history and other medications you might be taking before prescribing something.
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition where skin cells build up rapidly, causing thick, red patches with silvery scales. It affects around 2-3% of people globally.
Beyond its visible symptoms, like red, inflamed skin, psoriasis can lead to itching, discomfort, and even pain, making daily life challenging.
Arthritis is a common condition that affects millions in the UK, causing joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
Arthritis comes in different forms, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the most common. Osteoarthritis happens when the protective cartilage between bones wears down, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder causing joint inflammation.
Rosacea is a long-term skin condition, which mainly affects the face, causing redness, swelling, and sometimes acne-like breakouts. It typically starts after 30 but can occur earlier.
While people with fair-skinned are more prone, it can affect anyone. Flare-ups can be triggered by various factors like sun exposure and stress, making management crucial.
Lower back pain is incredibly common, affecting up to 80% of people at some point in their lives. It can be caused by muscle strain, structural issues, poor posture, or injuries.
It can disrupt your daily life, making even simple tasks challenging. That’s why finding the right medicine is important. These medicines offer targeted relief from pain and inflammation, helping you get back on your feet.
Haemorrhoids (piles) are a common condition, where veins become swollen and inflamed. They can be uncomfortable, itchy, and even painful.
Around half of adults over 50 have experienced them at some point. But they can affect people of any age, especially if you’re pregnant, overweight, or have a lifestyle that involves a lot of sitting.
Whether it’s simply that you’ve forgotten, you’re too busy, or something else popped up – knowing how long your pharmacy will hold your prescription for can give you the peace of mind that you’re not going to go without your medication.
We know how it is – not knowing how long your prescription takes can be a real pain. Especially if you’re due to run out of your existing medicine, or you’re about to go on holiday and need to stock up.
A repeat prescription is a handy service that lets you refill your ongoing medications without visiting your doctor every time. You will usually be given a repeat prescription if you require your medication for a long period of time.
If you’ve run out of your prescription medicine and need more urgently, or you’re simply dealing with a common condition, you may be able to get the medication you need without seeing a doctor.
Knowing how much your prescription costs (if you need to pay for your medication) can help you plan your budget, especially if treating a long-term illness that requires an ongoing prescription.
