Managing your medication
- Pre-empt ordering prescriptions to avoid medication running out
- Submit a request for medication when you have 7 to 10 days of medication remaining
- If you care for someone and they take regular medication ensure that they have an adequate supply too
- Don’t leave ordering until the last minute. Your medication is your responsibility and it is practice policy not to accept and issue same-day medication requests
How can I order my repeat prescription?
- NHS App
- NHS App Online
- SystmOnline
- Airmid
- Online form
- Paper form You can complete a prescription ordering form available from the practice lobby and post it within the adjacent prescriptions collection box. You can also tick the repeat medication(s) you require on the tear-off counterfoil from a previously printed repeat prescription and post this within the same collection box.
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Repeat Prescription Request
When will my prescription be ready?
Please allow 7 working days after submitting your request for collection from your nominated pharmacy.
Repeat prescription requests submitted after 2.00pm will be processed the following working day.
What should I do with old medicines I no longer use?
- Take it to the pharmacy you got it from
- Do not bring it to Springwood Surgery as we have no means of disposing it
- Do not put it in your household waste bin
- Do not flush it down a toilet
Prescription charges
The prescription charge in England is £9.90 per item.
Prescription charges are for each item not each prescription. For example, if your prescription has 3 medicines on it you will have to pay the prescription charge 3 times.
If you know you’ll have to pay for a lot of NHS prescriptions, it may be cheaper to buy a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC). Before you apply for a PPC, check if you can get free prescriptions.
There are 3 PPC options available;
- 3-month PPC costs £32.05 and will save you money if you need more than 3 prescribed items in 3 months
- 12-month PPC costs £114.50 and will save you money if you need more than 11 prescribed items in a year
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) PPC costs £19.80 and will save you money if you need more than 2 prescribed qualifying HRT items in a year. A PPC for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) covers an unlimited number of some HRT medicines for 12 months, including if they’re prescribed for something other than menopause symptoms. A list of all HRT medicines covered by a HRT PPC is available here
Going on holiday?
Ensure you have enough medication to cover your holiday. If you need extra medication to provide cover whilst you are away ensure you submit your request at least 7 working days before you leave.
Take a list of your medications with you on your travels in case a doctor needs to know what you are taking and why.
HRT Pre-Payment Certificate
From the 1 April, the Government is launching the HRT Pre-Payment Certificate (PPC) to reduce prescription costs for women receiving Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
The HRT PPC will be available to buy in one single payment online at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/hrt-ppc, or in-person at some pharmacies. You can call 0300 330 2089 for help and support.
Before buying an HRT PPC, you should check if:
- you’re eligible for free NHS prescriptions using the eligibility checker: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/check
- your medicine is covered by the HRT PPC. For a list of eligible HRT medication, visit: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/hrt-ppc-medicines
- a 3 or 12 month PPC is more suitable. It covers all NHS prescriptions, not just HRT items. Visit: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/ppc
Medication review
Patients on repeat medication will be asked to see us once a year to review these regular medications and notification should appear on your repeat slip.
Please ensure that you book an appropriate appointment to avoid unnecessary delays to further prescriptions, and ensure any necessary blood tests are done at least 2 days before the review appointment.
Why has my drug changed?
Each drug has two names; the generic name and the brand name.
Where possible, we use the generic name drug because this is usually much cheaper for the health service to prescribe.
Consequently you may notice a change in name, colour, shape or size of your drug.
Do not be concerned by this, you are still receiving the same drug of the same quality, it is only the name and/or appearance that has altered. Talk to your local pharmacist if you have any concerns about this.