What happens before a repeat prescription?

The review may ask whether the medicine is helping, whether you take it as directed, and whether you have side effects or new symptoms. The clinician may check your medical history, allergies, other medicines and whether a blood pressure check, blood test or other follow-up is appropriate. Some medicines need closer review because the dose or safety can change with illness, kidney problems, pregnancy or another treatment.

A repeat prescription is not always an automatic continuation. The clinician may renew it, change the dose, arrange an assessment, or recommend a different treatment after considering your current situation.

Request the prescription before your supply runs out and give the clinic the medicine name, strength, directions and pharmacy details if requested. Keep a current list of prescription medicines, non-prescription products and supplements. Tell the clinician about missed doses, unwanted effects, recent hospital care or changes in your health.

Continue taking the medicine as prescribed unless a clinician advises otherwise. Do not borrow a replacement or double a dose after forgetting one; ask a pharmacist or clinician for instructions that match your medicine.

Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or tongue, fainting, severe chest pain, sudden weakness or severe confusion after taking a medicine. Contact a clinician promptly if symptoms are worsening, a serious side effect appears, or you may run out of a medicine that controls an important condition.

Ask whether you need an appointment or monitoring before renewal, how long to continue the medicine, what side effects matter, and what to do if your supply ends before the review.