What should you know about ordering a prescription online?

An online request is a request for assessment, not an automatic refill. The prescriber may check the medicine name, strength, directions, allergies, other medicines, and whether the treatment is still suitable. They may ask about new symptoms or arrange an appointment if the request raises a safety concern. A prescription should be issued only when the clinician has enough information to make a safe decision.

A [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) can provide the fuller review needed when your treatment or symptoms have changed.

Have the medicine label or previous prescription available. Check the exact name, strength, directions, remaining supply, allergies, and any recent changes in your health. Explain why you need the medicine and mention pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney or liver problems when relevant. Request it with enough time for review and dispensing, and follow the prescriber’s instructions rather than changing the dose yourself.

Seek prompt medical advice if symptoms are new, worsening, severe, or different from the problem for which the medicine was prescribed. Get urgent help for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, or a serious allergic reaction. Do not use an online refill request to manage a possible emergency or to replace a review for a medicine needing monitoring.

Ask whether the medicine is still appropriate, what monitoring you need, what to do if a dose is missed, and which symptoms should trigger an urgent review.