What should you know about request for repeat prescription?

A repeat prescription is intended for a medicine that has already been assessed as suitable for ongoing use. A prescriber may still need to check the reason for treatment, dose, other medicines, allergies, side effects and whether monitoring is due. Approval is not automatic, particularly when symptoms have changed or the medicine has safety considerations. A refill request is different from asking for a new medicine or a larger supply.

Use the clinic or pharmacy’s usual request route and provide your full name, date of birth, medicine name, strength, directions and the date your current supply will run out. Mention missed doses, new medicines, pregnancy, allergies, side effects, a change in symptoms or a different pharmacy. Request early enough for clinical review and dispensing, and do not share medicines or alter the dose yourself. If you need a review, book a GP Consultation so the prescriber can assess you properly.

Contact a clinician promptly if you are running out of a medicine that should not be stopped suddenly, or if missed doses have caused symptoms. Seek urgent care for severe breathing difficulty, swelling of the face or throat, fainting, new confusion, chest pain or a rapidly worsening reaction after taking a medicine. A repeat request should not delay help for a serious symptom.

Is this medicine still right for me and is the dose unchanged? Do I need monitoring or a medication review? What should I do if I miss a dose or cannot obtain the next supply in time?