Emergency prescriptions explained

You may need a prescription urgently if you have run out of your regular medication. Your GP should be able to get a prescription sent to your local pharmacy. If you are unable to get your usual prescription from your GP, in some cases you may be able to get your medication from a pharmacist.

An acute prescription is a prescription which is given typically on a one-off basis. It is not a prescription intended to be given repeatedly for a chronic condition or long-term health issue. For example, your doctor may provide you with an acute prescription if you have some pain following an operation. Your doctor will be able to determine if you need an acute or repeat prescription.

Repeat prescriptions are given by your doctor when you have been diagnosed with a condition that needs a specific type of medicine on an ongoing basis. Unlike one-off or acute prescriptions, such as antibiotics for an infection, repeat prescriptions are given for long-term conditions such as diabetes, COPD and high blood pressure. Your doctor may also assess you on an ongoing basis to ensure the medicine prescribed is working and if there are any changes to your condition. Some medications need regular blood tests if you are on them for a long time which your doctor should arrange.

When you have registered with a GP surgery, you may be able to order repeat prescriptions through their online health services. To find out if you can get a repeat prescription online, check your GP surgery’s website. Through your GP surgery’s website, you may also be able to contact your GP for advice, manage appointments and see some information about your health. Alternatively, you can go into your GP surgery to request more medication and on some occasions your pharmacy can ask your doctor for you.

The cost of your prescription will depend on the medication you require. However, certain medical conditions may exempt you from having to pay for your prescriptions through the NHS. You may also be eligible for a free prescription under the NHS if you are:

• Under 16 years old
• 60 years old or older
• Ages 16-18 and in full-time education
• Pregnant or have a valid maternity exemption certificate
• Holding a valid medical exemption certificate
• Holding a valid war pension exemption certificate and the prescription is for your accepted disability

You may have a medical condition that may exempt you from paying from your prescriptions. You will need to have a medical exemption certificate in these cases. Your usual doctor can provide this for you. These conditions can include:

• Cancer
• A permanent fistula
• A form of hypoadrenalism (for example, Addison’s disease)
• Diabetes insipidus
• Diabetes mellitus
• Hypoparathyroidism
• Myasthenia gravis
• Myxoedema (a type of hypothyroidism requiring thyroid hormone replacement)
• Epilepsy requiring continuous anticonvulsive therapy
• A continuing physical disability which prevents you from going out without the help of another person (temporary disabilities do not count, even if lasting several months)

If you have run out of medicine, you can speak to a Medicspot GP via your smartphone and pick up any prescribed medication at your nearest pharmacy. Alternatively you can go to one of our clinics and collect a prescription at the same place after seeing a doctor. Your local pharmacist is also able to provide you with a limited supply of medicines in an emergency, subject to certain conditions.

Typically, you will need a doctor’s prescription in order to get antibiotics. A doctor is able to assess you and determine if you have a bacterial infection. Your doctor will then prescribe you with the necessary antibiotics to treat your condition. Antibiotics work by destroying or slowing down the growth of bacteria. However, they are not effective for viral infections such as the flu, colds and most coughs.

Some specifically trained pharmacists are able to prescribe antibiotics for certain minor conditions. They are able to prescribe antibiotics when the ailment is not considered serious and will not require any blood or other lab tests. The condition must also last for a short period and be able to be cured with minimal treatment.

Before a pharmacist is able to prescribe antibiotics, they will need to first assess your condition. This can be done in a private consulting room in the pharmacy. The pharmacist will have a detailed discussion about your condition, symptoms and medical history. They may then prescribe you with the appropriate medicine for your condition or refer you to a doctor for further assessment. If your pharmacist prescribes you with antibiotics, they will also send a notification to your doctor to maintain accurate records.

For repeat prescriptions, doctors may refill prescriptions over the phone. However, some drugs may not be refilled over the phone. If you are unable to see your GP, you may be able to receive a prescription for your condition through an out-of-hours service or by calling 111.

If you need a prescription urgently, you can speak to a doctor online through Medicspot. Our doctors will be able to assess you and can prescribe you with the appropriate medication. You can see what we treat.

You can typically pick up your medication at any local pharmacy. However, it is helpful to use your regular pharmacy. This way, your pharmacy can keep a record of the medications you are taking and ensure your repeat prescription medication is usually in stock. You may also want to call up the pharmacy you are visiting ahead of time to ensure they are stocked with the medication you need.

See a doctor from your smartphone in minutes. Book a video appointment now or visit your nearest Medicspot clinic.

Dr Abby Hyams grew up in Manchester and did her medical training in Bristol. She has been a GP for over ten years, many of them as a partner in an NHS practice in Hemel Hempstead. Dr Hyams loves being a GP because of the wide spectrum of people she encounters every day.

Dr Goheer grew up in Glasgow and attended Hutchesons’ Grammar. She qualified from Aberdeen University Medical School in 2010. She returned to Glasgow for her GP training. Saira is now based in Edinburgh working as a qualified GP. She started working for Medicspot in 2019 and has a real passion for travel and fitness.

This article is for general information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Medic Spot Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. In the event of an emergency, please call 999 for immediate assistance.