Prescriptions

What is the reason for a 28 day prescribing? 28 day prescribing is recognised by the NHS as making the best possible balance between patient convenience, good medical practice and minimal drug wastage

What does 28 day prescribing mean for you? When you are being prescribed a repeat medicine your doctor prescribes enough of each medicine to last you for 28 days. For example, if you are taking 2 tablets a day you will receive 56 tablets, 3 tablets a day 84 tablets, 4 tablets a day 112 tablets etc.

Are there any exceptions? A few medicines are presented in a manner that makes them unsuitable for 28 day prescribing. Examples include some inhalers, insulin vials, oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy. Weekly (7 day) prescribing decisions to prescribe to a shorter interval than 28 days are made on clinical grounds. When a new medicine is prescribed, it might be prescribed any time up to 28 days to check that it works or if there are any unwanted effects. 28 day prescribing is appropriate for patients using a multiple compartment compliance aid, unless there is a clinical reason for weekly (7 day) prescribing.

What are the benefits of 28 day prescribing? You will always start (and finish), the container of each medicine on the same day of the week. In this way, it will be easier for your doctor to review all of the repeat medicines you are taking and to see if you might be having problems with any of your medicines. Companies already manufacture a large number of medicines in 28 day ‘calendar packs’ that show the day of the week on the packaging. This packaging allows you to check and monitor that you have taken your medication each day. These packs also have patient information leaflets inside and ideally the pack should not be broken into as they are designed to be supplied with this information included.28 day prescribing reduces the amount of medicine which is wasted when medicines are stopped or changed by doctors. Patients on repeat prescription intervals of greater than 28 days often make several visits a month to the surgery because their medicines run out at different times. As you will finish your medicines all at the same time, you should only have to visit the surgery once a month to collect your repeat medicines. It will also reduce the likelihood of needing to make an emergency request if you run out of medicine.

What about cost? The vast majority of patients collecting repeat prescriptions do not pay prescription charges. If you do have to pay prescription charges and you need more than 5 prescription items in 4 months (or 14 prescription items in 12 months), the best way to pay for your prescriptions would be to obtain a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC). Ask at your pharmacy or GP practice reception for more information. What about convenience? The NHS electronic Repeat Dispensing service provides a convenient method of collecting your medicines direct from the pharmacy without the need to order from your GP surgery every month. If you are interested in this service, and to enquire if it is suitable for you, please ask at your pharmacy or GP practice reception.

Summary 28 day prescribing has important benefits for patients. All medicines should last for the same number of days. If you are running out of some items or have too much of some medication, please tell the GP Practice. Do not stockpile medicines at home; only order those items on your repeat prescription that you need. Return unwanted medication to your local pharmacy for safe disposal

If you have a repeat prescription, we may ask you to come in for a regular review. We will be in touch when you need to come in for a review.

These charges apply in England only.   In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.

• Prescription (per item): £9.65
• 3-month PPC: £31.25
• 12-month prepayment certificate (PPC): £111.60

If you have to pay for four or more prescription items in three months, or more than 15 items in 12 months, you may find it cheaper to buy a PPC.

• PPC Telephone advice and order line 0845 850 0030
• General Public – Buy or Renew a PPC On-line

Take it to the pharmacy you got it from or bring it in to the surgery. Do not put it in your household bin or flush it down the toilet.