Prescriptions are vital when it comes to ensuring your health conditions are kept in check, and they give people the crucial medications they need to keep themselves as healthy as possible – or to recover from illness – when needed. However, have you ever wondered how long do pharmacies keep prescriptions for or if there’s an expiration date for the document itself? If so, keep reading because we’ve got some answers for you that might just be useful.
In most cases, a standard prescription is typically valid for six months from the date it’s issued by a health professional. What this means is that people generally have a six-month window to get the medication from the pharmacy using the prescription; otherwise, they’ll need to get a new document from their doctor.
So essentially, you’re on a countdown that starts as soon as the prescription is written and sent or handed to you, and understanding that there is an expiry date on your prescription can be useful – in other words, it’s best to get your prescription filled as soon as possible. Not only will it still be valid, but you clearly need the medication, or it wouldn’t have been prescribed, so don’t put it off.
For anyone with a chronic condition requiring ongoing medication, repeat prescriptions are very important. These prescriptions allow patients to get refills of their medication when they need it, but they’ll still have the same six-month validity period. Therefore in most cases, the answer to how long is a prescription is six months.
This is a convenient system that means those needing long-term medication can get it when they run out without seeing a healthcare provider first. Although, of course, regular checkups with your doctor to make sure the medication is still right for you are important.
Not all prescriptions are created equal, and various medicines prescribed may come with different rules about their validity, for example. Although the standard time is six months, it’s always essential to check the prescription to make sure that’s the case, especially if you can’t get to the pharmacy for a little while.
Seeing two dates on your prescription can be confusing, but it’s not as complicated as it seems. The date on the prescription is the date the document was created, and then other date will be the expiration date – they will normally be six months apart, as we’ve said.
As your prescription expires, it’s wise to make an appointment with your doctor to evaluate your health and check your prescription is still right for you. They can make adjustments before you refill the prescription to keep you as healthy as possible.
Knowing the lifespan of a prescription is so important when it comes to managing your health, especially if you have a chronic condition and need a repeat prescription. Knowing how long pharmacies keep prescriptions is a big part of getting things right and staying on top of your condition.
If you have any questions or need advice, you can visit the NHS GP website and contact us to find out more.
Although it is possible to use NHS services without having your NHS number on hand, it can be useful to have this available in certain situations. For example, if you’re registering with a new GP practice, the process can be quicker when you know your NHS number.
This is the situation when registering with NHS GP, though it is worth noting, that we are still able to register you with one of our NHS GP surgeries through our quick, online form. If you are able to provide us with your NHS number, it does make it easier to locate your medical record without however – and that results in registration being completed sooner.
There’s just one issue: how do you actually find your NHS number?
You will have received an NHS number if you have previously registered with a GP in England. This is a ten-digit number that takes this type of form: 328 777 1236.
If you’re unable to find your NHS number, the good news is there are multiple ways to solve this problem. These methods are:
Conveniently, the NHS provides a service that allows you to gain access to your NHS number. The ‘Find your NHS number’ service involves you inputting the following information:
Your number will then be sent by the NHS by email, text, or letter, depending on your preference.
It is possible to get updates about the “checking” status and if your order prescription will be changed or paused. To do this, you can contact your nominated pharmacy or GP surgery. They will then be able to tell you if it’s possible to collect your prescription as normal, or if any changes have been made.
spanIf you have the NHS app, this is another simple method to find your NHS number. This number is displayed prominently at the top of the app after logging in, below your name, for extra convenience.
Have you not downloaded the NHS app yet and created an online account? You can start the process by visiting the following NHS app link.
One of the advantages of a repeat prescription is that you can avoid booking GP appointments to simply receive your next dose of medication. This is convenient and helps to avoid potential delays in getting the medication you need.
This aspect is boosted even more when you use NHS GP to manage your repeat prescriptions. With just a few clicks, you can put in a request for your next prescription from your GP. This is then delivered for free either to your home address or your nominated pharmacy.
Is a letter or document you have received from the NHS readily available? If so, good news: this is another way to gain access to your NHS number. As for what type of documents you may have received from the NHS, this includes an appointment letter, prescriptions, test results, and hospital referral letter.
Again, your NHS number will be displayed prominently next to your name on any of these documents.
If you cannot locate these documents from the NHS, including any prescriptions papers or test results, there is a direct way to find your NHS number: speak to your GP practice.
As long as you are registered with your GP practice and you ask them for your number, they be able to provide it to you without issue. However, for privacy reasons, you could be asked to provide them with proof of identity, such as a driving licence or passport.
If you would like any more information about your NHS number or are struggling to locate it via the above methods, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re happy to help.
Glandular fever is typically transmitted through the exchange of saliva, commonly referred to as the “kissing disease.” It can also spread through coughing, sneezing, and sharing utensils or personal items with an infected person. The Epstein-Barr virus is highly contagious, and it’s essential to take precautions to prevent its spread.
If you suspect you have glandular fever, it’s crucial to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and management. A healthcare professional will conduct a physical examination, evaluate your symptoms, and may order blood tests to confirm the presence of the Epstein-Barr virus.
As glandular fever is a viral infection, antibiotics are not effective in treating it. Instead, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and promoting recovery. Rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate fever, sore throat, and body aches. It’s essential to avoid contact sports and heavy lifting during the recovery period to prevent spleen complications.
Recovery from glandular fever can take several weeks or longer. While most people make a full recovery, some may experience fatigue and weakness for an extended period. Engaging in gentle physical activity and gradually increasing energy levels can aid in the recovery process.
A repeat prescription is beneficial in that you don’t have to receive continual GP approval to gain your next prescribed dose of medication. These are provided on a continual basis based on a schedule across a set period of time.
Repeat prescriptions are provided when ongoing access to medication makes the most sense. This can be for a long-term issue such as high blood pressure, for example, or it could be for something like the contraceptive pill.
While a repeat prescription is generally straightforward, there are certain aspects that can cause a little confusion. This is the case when it comes to the “checking” status that might be found on your repeat prescription.
If you have received a repeat prescription and seen it come with a “checking” status, you might be a little worried about what this entails. This is certainly the case when that status wasn’t present on your previous medication.
However, it is not something that should carry any concern. “Checking” is simply a notice that a routine check is being made by your GP or pharmacist. This inspection is done to ensure your prescribed medication remains a suitable and safe option for your current situation.
That doesn’t mean you should be hesitant to take the medication you have just received a prescription for. A GP wouldn’t approve a prescription if it wasn’t right for you and your particular situation, so you can rest assured that the med
It is possible to get updates about the “checking” status and if your order prescription will be changed or paused. To do this, you can contact your nominated pharmacy or GP surgery. They will then be able to tell you if it’s possible to collect your prescription as normal, or if any changes have been made.
One of the advantages of a repeat prescription is that you can avoid booking GP appointments to simply receive your next dose of medication. This is convenient and helps to avoid potential delays in getting the medication you need.
This aspect is boosted even more when you use NHS GP to manage your repeat prescriptions. With just a few clicks, you can put in a request for your next prescription from your GP. This is then delivered for free either to your home address or your nominated pharmacy.
By managing your prescriptions online, it is easy to see if that “checking” status has resulted in any change to your medicine. If that change results in the repeat medication being refused, you can then use our platform to book a GP appointment online to arrange a potential new course of medicine.
If you would like to learn more about NHS GP and how it can assist with managing your repeat prescriptions, make sure to contact us. A helpful member of staff from our practice will then get in touch and guide you along the way.
Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a common skin condition that causes inflammation, redness, and itching. It affects people of all ages and can be long-lasting or intermittent.
There are several types of eczema, but the most common ones are:
Eczema can present different symptoms, but the most common ones include:
You should seek medical help for eczema if:
Seeking timely medical advice can lead to proper diagnosis and effective treatment, improving your well-being and preventing complications.
While there is no cure for eczema, there are effective ways to manage and alleviate its symptoms. Treatment options include:
Remember, eczema management varies for each person, so it’s essential to work closely with a healthcare professional to find the most suitable treatment plan for you.
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of eczema, consult your doctor or dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and personalised treatment approach. Early intervention and proper care can help you better manage eczema and improve your skin’s health and comfort.
It’s easier than ever before to register with the NHS and your local GP. Not only are there many local healthcare centres around the country, but you can now take advantage of telehealth and video appointments to get on-demand access to healthcare services no matter where you’re located. This has made it infinitely easier to many (particularly those in rural areas) to get the healthcare that they need.
Before you can gain access to any GP, including us here at NHS GP, however, you will need to register.
If you would like to register with one of our practices to access the full range of in-person and online healthcare servcies we offer, you can register online 24/7 here.
We offer online and phone appointments and prescription services to patients living anywhere in the UK, though please note if you do not live close to one of our GP practices and require a face-to-face appointment, it may not be as accessible for you.
Registering is easy, and you can even contact us if you need help with the registration process. The form itself shouldn’t take longer than 10 minutes and can be completed either on paper when you visit your GP in person or through the digital form if you sign up online.
To register with a GP, you’ll need an email address and details of your previous GP. If this is your first time, then you’ll need to go in person to fill out the GMS1 form. You won’t need to prove your address or immigration status, show a photo ID or have an NHS number (though this is helpful if you have it!) when you sign up, but you may need to provide some of this information later.
For example, though you can sign up without proof of address, you’ll need to send that information in later to get your account activated. This can be a utility bill or bank statement and should be recent and have been sent to you within the last three months. If you don’t have an address, you can still sign up as long as you have a rough sleeper’s identity badge or, alternatively, use a hostel or accommodation registration. This way, even if you’re homeless, you will still have access to healthcare.
While we accept patients from across the UK, with other GPs, in most cases, you can only register with GPs in your catchment areas. This means that anyone can register with us, but if you wish to register with another GP, that is local to you, you will need to live within a certain distance from that GP practice. The size of the catchment will depend on where you’re located. Those in rural areas will have a larger catchment area than those in London, for example.
Yes, you should immediately sign up with a GP, even if you’re a temporary resident. The health surcharge covers access to the NHS, giving you unrestricted access to your GP and medical costs. Keep in mind that you medical records will be transferred to your new GP when you register so that your new healthcare providers can catch up with your health and care.
The form itself takes minutes, and with our practices, we then have you registered in two days on average. For other GPs, it can take upwards of two weeks for your information to be inputted and activated in the system. If you need access to your GP before that time, you can go to a walk-in centre for everyday issues or the A&E for emergencies.
Don’t spend another second without a quality GP at hand, and sign up with us today. Not only can you get quality in-person care, but we also offer video appointments to help you work your healthcare around your schedule.
Having to keep track of which prescriptions need refills and when they expire can be an overwhelming task, especially if you’re juggling multiple medications or have a busy life. Are you ever unsure as to when your prescription medication is no longer valid? Have you ever had difficulty understanding how long a particular medicine will remain effective in your body? If so, this blog post is for you.
It’s time to answer the frequently asked question: when does my prescription expire? Keep reading and learn what factors influence the expiration date of your prescription drugs, as well as tips on setting reminders so that refilling prescriptions does not become a last-minute rush job.
Prescriptions have a wide range of expiration dates, depending on the individual medication and its formulation. Most are generally valid for six months from the date they were filled by a healthcare professional. This does not mean that your prescription will become ineffective after this period; however, it is always recommended to check with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure your medication is still safe and effective.
The date on the prescription will tell you when the medicine expires, as it will show when it was signed by a health professional, or it will have a date that indicates that the health professional has indicated it should not be dispensed before then.
So, how long is a prescription usually valid? In the United Kingdom, a standard prescription is often valid for six months, unless the medicine prescribed contains a controlled medicine. A controlled medicine is usually marked with a “c” symbol or the words “controlled drug” and has stricter regulations in terms of prescription validity. These are often set for 28 days from the date on the prescription. These controlled drugs include opioid painkillers and benzodiazepines, for example.
There are different kinds of prescriptions for different types of medications. For example, some will be a one-off prescription, while others are repeat prescriptions. The latter option, which is normally prescriptions for schedule for a given fixed period by a doctor, can be filled multiple times without a new prescription; these are typically used for long-term treatments such as asthma inhalers or antidepressants, for example. Usually, these are NHS prescriptions – those dispensed by the National Health Service (NHS). As of Spring 2020, there is a flat charge of £9.35 per item on prescriptions. However, you may be exempt from payment depending on your circumstances.
In contrast, a private prescription is issued by a private medical practitioner, not the NHS. While you have to pay for this prescription type, they can be a convenient option for many people. For instance, if you are out of town and run out of medication and need an urgent prescription, you can get one from a private practitioner. But is an urgent private prescription valid from a private provider who isn’t your usual NHS doctor? Yes, because it is issued directly by a medical practitioner.
Here at NHS GP, you can see a doctor online and get medication prescribed or sort out a repeat if necessary, whether you’re away from home and cannot see your regular GP practice or if you simply prefer a more convenient option. Contact us if you need further guidance on whether your prescription has expired or if you need to get a new prescription urgently. You can do so from the comfort of your home at a time that suits you without having to go to see your usual GP in person.
To conclude, depending on the medication, prescriptions can be valid for six months from the date it was filled. However, controlled medications are typically valid for 28 days from the date on the prescription. You can also seek medical advice from a doctor over the internet if you need to get a new or repeat prescription urgently or if you can’t see your regular GP in person.
Many people have been in situations where they need to get a prescription filled in a different city. It can be inconvenient, especially if you are traveling or living away from home and don’t have access to your usual doctor or pharmacist. Yet, what do you do when an urgent situation arises? Well, don’t worry – there is a way to ensure you can still get your medication. Here, we will explain exactly how to find and fulfil an out-of-town prescription so that you can stay healthy while on the go. The question of how to get a prescription fulfilled in a different city will be super simple after reading this.
There are lots of different ways to get your prescription filled in a different city. Now that you can find a pharmacy on practically every street, it is easier than ever for a doctor or healthcare professional to fill a prescription and send it away, thanks to electronic prescriptions. This is when a doctor or pharmacy sends the prescription electronically to another pharmacy.
Plus, with the prescription collection, you can even pick up the medication in another city or town and have someone do it for you. You will need your contact information, the doctor’s or pharmacist’s name, and a valid prescription. You can also get your medication from an online pharmacy. They can then transfer your prescription so that you can get the medication from any pharmacy.
To do this, you can nominate a different pharmacy where you would like your medication dispensed. You will be given a paper copy in England to take to any pharmacy in the country. It will include a unique barcode that will allow the pharmacist to scan the prescription and download it from the NHS database. Of course, aspects like any health insurance plans also need to be considered, as these can factor into private prescription prices if applicable.
This is a bit more complicated than the other methods, but it is still possible. If you need to get a new prescription when you’re out of town, then you can see a GP online who can then prescribe you medication, much like your regular doctor in your home town would.
If you need this service, you can contact us right here at NHS GP. We offer a service allowing you to see a GP over the internet who can prescribe medication or help facilitate a new or repeat prescription. This is a similar service to regular in-person doctors. However, we’re can speak to you on a video call or phone call instead and can offer appointments at a time that suits you. This option makes it more convenient for people who can’t see their GP at their local practice, such as those who are out of town in another city. That way, you can then get a prescription wherever you are and have your medication sent to a local pharmacy that is convenient for you.
For repeat prescription medications, you can request a prescription transfer. The difference between getting a repeat prescription whilst away in another city and getting a new prescription when out of town is that with a repeat prescription, you don’t need to contact a local GP.
Instead, you can use your existing doctor or the NHS GP website to transfer your existing repeat prescriptions to another pharmacy. You will need to provide the full details of the new pharmacy, such as its name and address. Then, they can access your medical records and send the prescription to them.
Getting a prescription filled in a different city is easier than you think. Many options are available, whether getting an electronic prescription or even seeing a GP over the internet for a new or repeat prescription when you’re away from home. Whatever your situation, there is a way to ensure you get your medication and stay healthy while away.
So don’t worry – with the proper knowledge and preparation, filling a prescription in another city is easy. Have any questions or concerns? Contact us today to get all your pressing questions answered.
If you are living with an existing medical condition, you may be wondering if you can get a medical note from your GP or another healthcare professional.
Whether you need medical evidence to give to your employer, to receive state benefits, or for any other reason, read on to find out everything you need to know about medical notes to prove an existing medical condition and where you can get them from.
A medical note, sometimes referred to as a statement of fitness for work, is a type of certificate that is a written statement from a medically qualified healthcare provider. It can serve as either a sick note or evidence of a medical condition.
If you are off sick from work for less than seven days, you do not need to get a fit note from your healthcare provider or doctor. All you need to do is tell your employer that you are not fit for work. This is known as self-certification.
If you are off work sick for more than seven calendar days, then you need to get a fit note from a registered healthcare professional.
Yes, you can get a medical note from your local GP for most pre-existing medical conditions. You can request a medical note by either making an appointment with your doctor in person or via a digital appointment. Once this has been carried out, you will be issued with a proof of your medical condition note that can be given to your employer or another party.
If you would like more information on how to get a medical note from your GP, please Contact Us here.
A medical note or fit note must be issued by a healthcare professional. This could be your NHS GP at hand, a nurse, a pharmacist, an occupational therapist, or a physiotherapist.
However, it is worth noting that you do not always need to see one of the above healthcare professionals in person. Depending on the nature of your existing health condition, you may be able to have a medical note issued online.
If you need a fit note from the NHS, your best course of action is to contact the healthcare professional who is treating you. They will be able to carry out an assessment and decide if your existing medical condition affects your ability to work.
Depending on their assessment, you may be issued a medical note that deems you are “not fit for work” or one that states you “may be fit for work taking into account the following advice.”
You should never have to pay for a healthcare professional to issue a fit note or to provide medical statements for you to give to your employer if you are off sick for more than seven days. This means that for long-term existing medical conditions, you should not be required to pay for a medical note.
Do you need to know your GP’s registered address?
Perhaps you have just moved home and need to register with a new GP, or you need my GP practice address for your child’s new school?
Either way, the below blog will tell you exactly what you need to do to find your GP’s registered address.
Your GP’s registered address is the official address of the practice. This can be used to find your nearest practice and also for any correspondence.
You can easily find a GP near you using the NHS website. Doing this is simple. You just need to enter your postcode, and you will be supplied with information on all your nearest GP surgeries as well as all their relevant information, including:
If you have not been to see an NHS GP for some time, you may not be sure what GP practice you are registered with or even if you are still registered at all.
In England, the NHS is legally obliged to keep a list of all patients registered with GP practices. This information is held in the National Health Application and Infrastructure Services systems.
If you don’t have your records from your GP at hand, you can access your them by logging into your account using the NHS app or website. However, you do need to register for online services before you can access this information.
If you have recently moved home or want to change GPs as you are not happy with your current practice, you can easily register with a new GP surgery.
In England, it is free to register with a GP, and you do not need proof of address, ID, immigration status, or an NHS number. However, it can be useful to have your passport or birth certificate with you when you register.
You can look up GPs in your area via the NHS website to see what services they offer so that you can find one that is best suited to your and your family’s needs.
In some cases, you can also register with a GP surgery that is not in the area that you live in.
If you need help registering with a new GP or filling out the forms, you can contact them directly, get in touch with the Citizens Advice Bureau or Contact Us.
A GP surgery can refuse to register you if:
You can only register with one GP in England. However, you can temporarily register with another surgery if you are in another area and require healthcare, such as an emergency prescription.
