But “repeat” does not mean automatic. A prescriber still needs to be satisfied that continuing the medication remains safe and appropriate.
What is a repeat prescription?
A repeat prescription allows continued supply of a medication you are already established on. Whether a medicine can safely be renewed depends on more than its name.
- Your current dose
- How long you have taken it
- Why it was prescribed
- Whether it is working
- Whether anything has changed
- Whether you are experiencing side effects
- Whether required monitoring is up to date
Can my pharmacist extend my prescription instead?
In some situations, yes. Since September 2024, a pharmacist can consider extending certain prescriptions originally written for six months for up to a maximum total validity of 12 months. The pharmacist must decide that extension is safe and appropriate.
There are exclusions, including specified controlled drugs, and a pharmacist cannot extend a prescription if the prescriber has written “Do Not Extend”.
When do you still need a GP review?
- Your condition has changed.
- Symptoms are worse.
- You are having side effects.
- Your dose may need changing.
- Required blood tests are overdue.
- Blood pressure or another measurement needs checking.
- You have started other medicines.
- The medicine requires closer monitoring.
Can any medication be renewed online?
No. Some medicines require closer assessment, special legal controls or ongoing monitoring. Others may be inappropriate to prescribe without examining the patient. The real question is whether the doctor has enough clinical information to prescribe safely to that particular patient.
How does an electronic prescription reach the pharmacy?
Ireland uses Healthmail as the approved national system for recognised electronic prescription transfer. When appropriate, a valid prescription can be sent securely to your nominated pharmacy.
What information should I have ready?
- Exact medication name
- Dose and formulation
- How often you take it
- When it was last prescribed
- Why you take it
- Your chosen pharmacy
- Recent relevant measurements or test results
What if the GP declines the prescription?
That does not necessarily mean anything is wrong. It usually means there is insufficient information to continue safely without a consultation, updated tests, examination or review by your usual GP. Clinical refusal is an important safety feature of a legitimate prescription service.
| PrivateGP.ieIf you are already established on regular medication and simply need a safe review for renewal, PrivateGP.ie offers a private online repeat-prescription route. An Irish-registered GP reviews the request and will let you know if a consultation, monitoring or in-person review is needed instead. |
References and further information