Repeat Dispensing Service

Repeat Dispensing Service at Exwick Pharmacy, Exeter

What Is Repeat Dispensing?

Repeat dispensing is a convenient NHS service that allows your GP to authorise several months’ worth of prescriptions in advance for stable long-term conditions, with each instalment dispensed by the pharmacy at the appropriate interval. Rather than returning to your GP surgery every one or two months to request a new prescription, your medicines are automatically available at Exwick Pharmacy on New Valley Rd, Exeter when they are due. We serve patients with repeat dispensing needs across the EX4 postcode and the wider Exeter community.

How Repeat Dispensing Works at Exwick Pharmacy

Under a repeat dispensing arrangement, your GP issues a batch prescription typically covering up to 12 months which is held electronically in the NHS system. At each dispensing interval, usually monthly or every two months, you simply visit Exwick Pharmacy to collect your medicines. Our pharmacist will conduct a brief check to ensure your condition remains stable and that the medicines are still appropriate before dispensing each batch.

Who Is Suitable for Repeat Dispensing?

Repeat dispensing is suitable for patients with stable long-term conditions who take the same medicines at consistent doses without frequent changes. Examples include patients with well-controlled hypertension, type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, asthma, or osteoporosis. If your condition is subject to regular changes in medication or requires frequent monitoring, your GP may determine that standard repeat prescriptions are more appropriate.

The Advantages of Repeat Dispensing

The check our pharmacist conducts at each dispensing interval is an important safety feature of repeat dispensing. We will ask you a few brief questions about how you are getting on with your medicines, whether you have experienced any side effects or changes in your health, and whether you have started any new medicines. If there are any concerns, we will pause the dispensing and recommend that you see your GP before the next batch is issued.

The benefits of repeat dispensing include significantly reduced visits to the GP surgery, fewer prescription requests, a more predictable and streamlined supply of your medicines, and regular brief contact with your pharmacist who can monitor your long-term health. Exwick Pharmacy is proud to offer this service to eligible patients across Exeter, making long-term medicine management simpler and more convenient.

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Frequently Asked Question

How is repeat dispensing different from a regular repeat prescription?

With a regular repeat prescription, your GP issues a new prescription each time. With repeat dispensing, the GP issues a batch upfront covering several months, and each instalment is released at the appropriate interval without needing a new GP authorisation.

Will I still see my GP regularly if I am on repeat dispensing?

Yes. Repeat dispensing does not replace your periodic GP reviews, which are important for monitoring your long-term condition. Your GP will determine the appropriate review frequency.

What if my medicine changes while I am on a repeat dispensing arrangement?

If your GP changes your medicine, the existing batch prescription will need to be updated. Our pharmacist will liaise with your GP to ensure the correct medicines are dispensed.

Is repeat dispensing available for all long-term medicines?

Repeat dispensing is suitable for most stable long-term medicines, though certain controlled drugs and some other medicines may not be eligible. Our team can advise on your specific medicines.

How do I get started with repeat dispensing at Exwick Pharmacy?

Speak to your GP about whether repeat dispensing is appropriate for your condition and medicines. Once your GP sets it up and nominates Exwick Pharmacy, we will handle the dispensing at each interval.