How to Order a Repeat Prescription Online (NHS App and Other Ways)
Ordering repeat prescriptions online saves phoning the surgery. Here is how to do it, how long it takes, what the status labels mean, and what it costs.
Updated · 5 min read
You can order a repeat prescription online by logging in to the NHS App or the NHS website, selecting Prescriptions, then Request a repeat prescription. You can also use your GP surgery's own online service or an online pharmacy. Order at least 5 working days before you need your medicine, as your GP has to approve each request.
What a repeat prescription is
If you take a medicine regularly, your GP can set it up as a repeat prescription. This means you can order more without seeing a doctor each time. Your GP will still review your medicines from time to time.
The NHS website recommends ordering up to 5 working days before you need your medicine.
Ordering in the NHS App
- Log in to the NHS App, or your NHS account on the NHS website.
- Select Prescriptions.
- Select Request a repeat prescription.
- Choose the medicines you need and send the request.
If you have a chosen pharmacy, approved requests are sent there automatically. If you do not, you will get a barcode in the app that you can take to any pharmacy.
If you are new to the NHS App, you will need to set up an NHS account and prove who you are first.
Following your request
The NHS App help page explains that each request has to be approved by your GP before the pharmacy can prepare it. Under Requested medicines, each item is labelled:
- waiting GP approval
- approved by GP
- rejected by GP
Once approved, you may be able to follow progress under Your approved prescriptions. Labels include "pharmacy preparing prescription", "part ready to collect" and "ready to collect". "Part ready" usually means one item is out of stock. You can wait, or collect what is ready if you need it urgently.
Each prescription holds up to 4 medicines, so if you order more than 4, you will see more than one prescription.
Why a medicine might be missing from the list
You might not see a medicine you expect because it is:
- a one-off course rather than a repeat
- not prescribed for a long time
- a controlled medicine that cannot be ordered in the app
- on repeat dispensing, which means you collect it from the pharmacy without ordering each time
You may also be blocked from ordering if you have just requested it, if it is too soon since the last request, or if you are due a medication review. Contact your GP surgery in these cases.
Other ways to order online
Your GP surgery's online service
Some surgeries use other apps or websites for prescriptions. Ask which one yours uses, as you need to use the same service.
Online-only pharmacies
Online pharmacies can order repeat prescriptions from your GP for you and post your medicines to your home. They will ask for your name, age and GP surgery details. You register directly with the pharmacy. The NHS website keeps a list of online-only pharmacies registered with the NHS.
Repeat dispensing
If your medicines are stable, your GP may set up repeat dispensing. The pharmacy holds a batch of prescriptions, often covering several months, and gives you each one when it is due. Ask your GP or pharmacist whether this is suitable for you.
How long a repeat prescription takes
Allow up to 5 working days in total: time for your GP to approve the request and for the pharmacy to prepare it. The NHS App help pages say a chosen pharmacy usually takes 3 to 5 days.
Order earlier before bank holidays and Christmas, when surgeries and pharmacies are busier and closed on some days.
If you run out before your repeat is ready, see our guide on getting an emergency prescription.
What repeat prescriptions cost
In England, the charge is £9.90 per item in 2026/27. The charge is per item, not per prescription, so 3 medicines cost 3 charges.
Many people get prescriptions free. You can check if you qualify on the NHS website.
If you pay for several items, a prescription prepayment certificate can save money:
| Certificate | Cost | Saves money if you need |
|---|---|---|
| 3-month PPC | £32.05 | more than 3 items in 3 months |
| 12-month PPC | £114.50 | more than 11 items in a year |
| HRT PPC | £19.80 | more than 2 qualifying HRT items in a year |
Collecting your medicine
Your pharmacy may ask to see ID for some medicines, so take photo ID when you collect. If you cannot collect it yourself, someone else can usually collect it for you.
If your request is rejected, or a medicine is cancelled, contact your GP surgery to find out why.
Cancelled medicines
Sometimes a medicine shows as "cancelled" in the app. The NHS App help pages say this may be because the treatment is no longer suitable for you, or because the medicine needs to be changed. If it says "cancelled by pharmacy", contact the pharmacy. Otherwise, contact your GP surgery to find out why.
If you see a medicine on your list that you do not expect, contact your GP surgery too.
Repeat prescription questions
Can I order my child's repeat prescriptions online?
Yes, if your GP surgery has given you family and carer access for your child. You switch to their profile in the app and order as normal.
Can I change which pharmacy my repeats go to?
Yes. Select Prescriptions, then Your chosen pharmacy, then Change your chosen pharmacy.
Sources
Checked on 14 October 2026:
- NHS website: How to order a repeat prescription
- NHS website: Request or view prescriptions (NHS App help)
- NHS website: Save money with a prescription prepayment certificate
- NHS website: Check if you can get free prescriptions
- Community Pharmacy England: NHS prescription charges frozen for the second year running
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.