How Do I....
Obtain A Repeat Prescription?

For medicines that are needed on a regular basis, you may need to be given a repeat prescription slip.

Prescriptions may be obtained by handing in or posting your prescription slip, ensuring you allow at least two whole working days for processing. This is to allow time for the doctors to check your medicines, as they are legally responsible for them.

Repeat prescriptions can be collected from the reception in office hours. They can be posted to you if you include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. We also accept written repeat prescription requests by fax on 020 8657 0037.

Some local pharmacies also offer a repeat prescription collection service - please ask your pharmacist.

• PLEASE DO NOT TELEPHONE PRESCRIPTION REQUESTS AS THIS JAMS OUR TELEPHONE LINES AND CAN LEAD TO SERIOUS MISTAKES.
• PLEASE DO NOT PUT THE DOCTORS AND STAFF UNDER UNNECESSARY PRESSURE BY DEMANDING PRESCRIPTIONS THE SAME DAY. LIKE MOST PEOPLE WE CAN ALL MAKE MISTAKES WHEN UNDER UNREASONABLE PRESSURE.

Occasionally the prescription will include a message asking you to see the doctor before the next prescription is given. This is to check your health and ensure no changes are needed to your medicines.

Focus on Your Medicines

Lots of us take prescribed medicines and some people worry about them. If you have concerns about your medicines you can ask to meet with an expert to talk about them. This is called the medication review. Your surgery will arrange for you to see a pharmacist, a doctor or a nurse. If you regularly see a hospital specialist for long-term conditions, such as epilepsy or Parkinson's Disease, the meeting may take place at hospital.

Some people should have review meetings at least every year.

• Are you over 75?
• Are you regularly taking prescription medicines?
• Are you taking medicine for a long-term illness (like asthma, arthritis, diabetes, high
blood pressure or epilepsy)?
• Are you taking hospital-prescribed medicines, or have you come out of hospital lately?
• Have there been major changes to your medicines recently?

If you fall into one of the groups above, you should be discussing your medicines regularly. Even if you're not in any of these groups, you can ask for a meeting if you have any concerns.

Ask us to arrange a medication review.

The person you meet to focus on your medicines will normally be a pharmacist, doctor or nurse. They will listen to your worries and questions and you can say whatever you want in those meetings.

How should you prepare for the medicines review meeting?

Make a list of your current medicines, what you take it for and how often. Think about questions that you may have about your medicines. Such questions might be:

• What does this medicine do?
• How and when should I take it?
• How do I know it is helping?
• How can I be sure it's safe for me to take it?
• What side effects are most likely from this medicine?
• What should I do if I get these side effects?
• Could another medicine do a better job with less risk?
• What happens if I stop taking it or took a lower dose?
• How does this mix with other things I take, or with food and drink?
• How long will I need to use this medicine?
• Will the medicine build up in my body?
• Do I really need to take all these medicines?
• Is there anything that can help to remind me to take my medicines?
• Can I have containers which are easier to open?

After your medicines review meeting, some of your medicines that you are prescribed may change. This will not happen against your will. You will need to agree on any changes. If you meet with somebody other than your doctor and you agree to changes in your medication, they will pass these onto your doctor. A summary of the meeting will be recorded in your notes and a date for the next meeting will normally be agreed at the end of the medication review.