What should you know about a repeat prescription?

A prescriber adds a medicine to a repeat list when it is suitable for continued use. The prescription normally states the medicine, strength, directions and quantity, while a review checks whether it is still helping and whether side effects or new conditions affect its safety.

A repeat item is not an automatic guarantee that every request will be issued. The prescriber may need updated blood pressure checks, blood tests, symptom review or a medication reconciliation before approving the next supply.

Request the next supply before your current medicine runs out, using the practice or pharmacy process available to you. Include the exact medicine, strength, directions and preferred collection or delivery route. Do not double doses after a missed tablet, share medicine or stop a long-term treatment suddenly unless advised.

Keep an up-to-date list of prescribed medicines, over-the-counter products and supplements. Arrange a GP Consultation if the medicine is not controlling symptoms, causes troublesome effects, or your circumstances have changed.

Get prompt advice if you run out of an essential medicine, take the wrong dose, develop a possible serious reaction, or notice severe dizziness, breathing difficulty, swelling or fainting. Seek emergency help for severe breathing problems, collapse or rapidly worsening symptoms.

Ask when the next medication review is due, which monitoring is required, what to do after a missed dose, whether other medicines interact, and how to obtain help when a supply is delayed.