Although 30 million people have the NHS App, as of 2024, only 14% use it to order medicines. Let’s change that! Using the NHS App can save time for you and your GP surgery.
I take two medicines daily that are on repeat prescriptions. I use the NHS App to request repeat prescriptions from my GP, and they always arrive by post about a week later from an online pharmacy.
This takes me two minutes of effort, and it’s really easy.
To make this happen, I have done two things:
- To order my repeat prescriptions online from my GP, I have downloaded, registered on and use the NHS App
- To have my prescriptions delivered, I have registered with an online Pharmacy service
In this article, we assume you have already downloaded and registered on the NHS App.
If you haven’t, check one of our articles below:
Assuming you are now using the NHS App, we are now going to:
- show you how easy it is to order your repeat prescriptions using the NHS App
- show you the new features in the NHS App that track the progress of your request, both at the GP and the pharmacy
- discuss online versus high street pharmacy options and what might work best for you
What if I need my prescriptions urgently?
Delivery from an online pharmacy can take 7-10 days, so it will be too slow if you need your medicine urgently.
How to request your repeat prescriptions on the NHS App
Next steps
Congratulations, you now know how to order your repeat prescriptions online.
Managing Your Prescriptions Made Simple with the NHS App
As a busy person looking after your family’s health, managing prescriptions can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, with the NHS app, you can easily keep track of your medicines from your phone. Here’s how to stay on top of it all:
Viewing and Managing Prescriptions
- Log in to the NHS App and go to the homepage or Your health section.
- Select View and Manage Prescriptions to see your requested medicines.
What Happens After You’ve Requested Medicine?
Once you’ve made a request, it will need to be approved by the GP. Here’s what you might see:
- Waiting GP approval – Your GP still needs to approve it.
- Approved by GP – It’s been sent to the pharmacy.
- Rejected by GP – The request was not approved. If this happens, simply contact your GP surgery to find out why.
If you’ve nominated a pharmacy, your approved prescriptions will be sent there automatically.
Is Your Prescription Ready?
Once approved, your pharmacy will begin preparing the prescription. You may notice that prescriptions can contain up to four medicines each. If you’ve requested more, they’ll be in separate prescriptions.
You can now track the status of each prescription in the app by selecting Your approved prescriptions. This feature is being rolled out gradually, so you may not see it just yet. But when it’s available, you can check if your prescription is:
- Pharmacy preparing prescription
- Ready to collect or Ready for delivery
- Part ready – meaning some medicines are ready, but others are out of stock.
If part of the prescription is ready, and you need it urgently, you can collect what’s available and wait for the rest later.
If Your Prescription Was Cancelled
In some cases, your medicine or prescription may be cancelled. This can happen if the treatment is no longer suitable or if the medicine wasn’t appropriately prescribed. If you’re unsure, contact your GP surgery for more details. If the pharmacy cancels it, check with them to understand why.
Collecting Your Medicines – the NHS App now shows a bar-code
When it’s time to collect your family’s medicines, here’s what you need to know:
- Bring ID – Some medicines require a photo ID at collection, so it’s a good idea to have it with you.
- If you have a nominated pharmacy, it usually takes 3-5 days for the prescription to be ready. You’ll be able to see the status in Your approved prescriptions.
- If you don’t have a nominated pharmacy, simply take the digital barcode from the app to any pharmacy.
For prescriptions with more than four medicines, you may need to show more than one barcode, which you’ll find in the app.
Need More Information?
If you’re unsure about any medication, you can explore the NHS.UK Medicines A to Z in the app for more details. For specific questions, contact your pharmacy or GP surgery.
Managing prescriptions for your loved ones doesn’t have to be stressful. The NHS App gives you control and peace of mind—all in one place.
What is my ‘nominated pharmacy’, and can I change it?
You usually like to get your medications from your nominated pharmacy. Your GP may have contacted you to ask which Pharmacy you wanted as your ‘nominated’ one. These days, any Pharmacy can download your prescription if you ask. Bear in mind that they may not have the medicines you need in stock if you just walk in.
You can now change your nominated Pharmacy in the NHS App. Pharmacies or your GP can also change your nomination if you ask them.
If you register with an online pharmacy, they will update your nomination for you, you can’t change to an online pharmacy via the App.
Lastly, no one, not your GP nor a Pharmacy, should change your nomination without your permission.
Is an Online Pharmacy Right for You?
As someone balancing your children’s and your parent’s health needs, you might wonder whether an online pharmacy could make your life easier. Before making the switch, let’s weigh the benefits of sticking with your local pharmacist versus going online.
Why Stick with Your Local Pharmacist?
- Personalized Advice: Your local pharmacist knows you, and you can easily pop in for friendly, face-to-face advice. They probably have a consulting room where you can chat privately about your medicines, side effects, or concerns. It’s nice to have someone you know and trust when managing medications.
- Complicated Health Needs: If you’re dealing with complex health issues or medications, it might be reassuring to continue using a pharmacist who understands your unique situation and can provide extra care.
- Logistics: If your medicines are bulky or you’re not always home to accept deliveries, it can be easier to collect them in person. This is especially true if you don’t have a safe place for packages or a neighbour who can hold onto them for you.
Why an Online Pharmacy Could Be the Right Choice
- No More Multiple Visits: Online pharmacies offer a convenient alternative if you’re tired of making repeated trips to see if your prescriptions are ready. No more queuing or waiting at the counter—your medicines are delivered directly to your door.
- Save Time: An online pharmacy saves time and hassle for those confident in managing their medicines. If your prescriptions fit through the letterbox or can be left with a neighbour or at work, it’s one less thing to worry about in your busy day.
Still Interested? Here’s a Comparison of Online Pharmacies
There are several types of online pharmacies, from extensions of familiar high street names like Lloyds and Well+, to newer, purely online businesses. Most offer a range of services to fit your needs:
- Website Ordering is great if you prefer to manage things on a desktop or don’t have a smartphone. They’ll send your prescription request to your GP for you, and you can even order over-the-counter medications like aspirin.
- NHS App Integration: Once you register with an online pharmacy, they can update your nomination, meaning new prescriptions go directly to them for fulfilment.
- Other Apps: Some pharmacies offer their own apps, making it easy to reorder with just a few taps.
Extra Services You Might Find Handy
- Prescription Reminders: Forgetting to reorder is a thing of the past—many online pharmacies send helpful reminders to restock your medications.
- Order Confirmation: You’ll get a message when your prescription has been received and processed, offering peace of mind.
- Private Consultations: Need advice on women’s health or other specific issues? Many offer private online GP consultations and the ability to order non-prescription medications.
- Pre-Sorted Medications: Some pharmacies even pre-sort your medications into daily pouches, making it easier to track what to take and when.
My Experience
I’ve used Pharmacy2U and Well+ for the past six years—three years with each—and have had no issues with either service. Both have saved me time, reduced my trips to the pharmacy, and provided me with peace of mind, knowing my medications are being taken care of.
Switching to an online pharmacy can make managing your family’s health less stressful. If it sounds like the right move, check out some options and see which fits your lifestyle best!