What should you know about repeat prescription request letter?

The letter is a request, not a guarantee that the medicine will be issued. It helps the prescriber match your request to your record and decide whether the current treatment remains suitable. Include the medicine name, strength, form, directions, and how much you need. The prescriber may need to check symptoms, side effects, allergies, monitoring, and other medicines before authorising another supply.

Write your full name, date of birth or patient number, contact details, the date, and the reason for writing. List each requested medicine separately and copy details from the dispensing label. State how much remains and when it is likely to run out. Add recent changes such as a hospital discharge, a new medicine, a dose change, pregnancy, or a suspected reaction. Send the letter through the clinic’s accepted route and keep a copy. A GP consultation may be arranged if the prescriber needs more information.

Contact the clinic promptly if the supply is nearly finished or the request has not been acknowledged. Seek urgent medical advice for a serious side effect, worsening symptoms after missed treatment, or confusion about dosing. Emergency symptoms such as collapse, severe breathing trouble, or facial swelling need emergency help.

Ask which request method is accepted, how much notice is needed, whether monitoring is due, and who to contact if the medicine is unavailable.