How to Get an Emergency NHS Prescription If You Run Out of Medicine

If you have completely run out of a regular medicine, there are several ways to get an urgent supply, even at night or at the weekend. Here is where to start.

Updated · 5 min read

Illustration of an empty medicine packet beside a clock and a pharmacy sign at night

If you have run out of a regular prescribed medicine and need it urgently, start with the 111 online emergency prescription service. It asks a few questions and usually directs you to a pharmacy that can give you an emergency supply. You can also speak to a pharmacist, call your GP surgery or its out-of-hours service, or visit an urgent treatment centre. If it is a medical emergency, call 999 or go to A&E.

First, how urgent is it?

The NHS website says you should usually allow 5 working days to request a repeat prescription and collect your medicine. If you still have a few days' supply, the simplest fix is to order your repeat prescription now and ask the pharmacy whether it can be prepared quickly.

The options below are for when you have completely run out, or will run out before a normal prescription can be ready.

Option 1: 111 online emergency prescription service

If your medicine is on a repeat prescription and you have run out, go to 111 online. You will be asked:

  • where you are
  • which medicine you need
  • when your next dose is due

Based on your answers, it suggests the best way to get your medicine. Often this is a referral to a local pharmacy that can supply it.

If your medicine is not on a repeat prescription, use 111 online or call 111 to talk through your options.

This works at any time, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays, which is when people most often get caught out.

Option 2: go to a pharmacy

Pharmacists can supply some medicines in an emergency without a prescription. The pharmacist will ask questions to check the medicine has been prescribed for you before and that an emergency supply is appropriate. You may have to pay for an emergency supply made this way.

Not every medicine can be supplied like this. Many controlled drugs, such as some strong painkillers, cannot be given without a prescription. If the pharmacist cannot help, they will tell you what to do next.

Take something that shows what you take, such as the empty packaging, a repeat prescription slip or the medicines list in your NHS App. This helps the pharmacist check quickly.

You can find an open pharmacy using the NHS pharmacy search.

Option 3: contact your GP surgery

During opening hours, phone your GP surgery and explain you have run out. They may be able to issue a prescription the same day and send it straight to your chosen pharmacy.

When the surgery is closed, its phone message will give details of the out-of-hours service.

Option 4: an urgent treatment centre

You may be able to get your medicine from an urgent treatment centre after a consultation. This is more useful if you also need to be seen about a health problem.

When to go to A&E or call 999

Go to A&E or call 999 if it is an emergency, for example if missing your medicine has made you seriously unwell. Some medicines, such as those for epilepsy, diabetes or heart conditions, can cause serious problems if doses are missed. Do not wait if you are worried.

Running out while away from home

If you are away from home in England, the same options apply: 111 online, a local pharmacy or an urgent treatment centre. You can also contact any GP surgery for emergency treatment for up to 14 days without registering there.

If you use the NHS App, your medicines list can help a pharmacist or doctor confirm what you take.

What an emergency supply costs

In England, NHS prescriptions cost £9.90 per item in 2026/27, unless you are exempt. Some people get free prescriptions, including people under 16 or over 60, and people with certain medical conditions or a valid exemption certificate.

If the pharmacist makes an emergency supply without a prescription, they may charge you for the medicine instead. Ask about the cost before you agree.

Ways to avoid running out again

  • Order early: request repeat prescriptions at least 5 working days before you need them, and earlier before bank holidays.
  • Use the NHS App: you can order repeats, track when they are ready and set a regular reminder for yourself.
  • Ask about repeat dispensing: if you take the same medicine long term, your GP may be able to set up repeat dispensing, where the pharmacy holds a batch of prescriptions and you do not need to request each one.
  • Choose a pharmacy: having a chosen pharmacy means prescriptions are sent straight there.

How long a prescription is valid

If you have a paper prescription or barcode you have not used yet, check the date. The NHS website says most prescriptions are valid for 6 months from the date they are signed, but prescriptions for most controlled drugs, such as morphine, are only valid for 28 days.

If you pay for a lot of prescriptions

Emergency situations often happen to people who take several regular medicines. If you pay for prescriptions and need more than a few items, a prescription prepayment certificate may save you money:

  • a 3-month certificate costs £32.05
  • a 12-month certificate costs £114.50

The charge is per item, so 3 medicines on one prescription cost 3 charges without a certificate.

Urgent supply questions

Can 111 send a prescription to any pharmacy?

111 will suggest a suitable pharmacy based on where you are and what is open.

What if I have lost my medicine rather than run out?

The same options apply. Explain what happened to the pharmacist or 111.

Sources

Checked on 14 October 2026:

This guide explains the general rules for staff in England using 2026/27 figures. It is not financial advice. Your employer, payslip or NHS Pensions statement has the final word on your own pay.

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