Understanding prescriptions
Understanding how prescriptions work — including repeat prescriptions and charges — makes it easier to get the medicines you need.
- Updated August 2026
- Clinical review pending
- 2 sources
At a glance
- A prescription is authorisation for a pharmacy to supply your medicine.
- NHS prescription charges apply in England, with several exemptions.
On this page (2 sections)
Overview
A prescription is written authorisation from a prescriber for a pharmacy to supply your medicine. For ongoing medicines, a repeat prescription lets you get further supplies without seeing your prescriber each time [1].
Charges and exemptions
In England there is an NHS prescription charge, but many people are exempt — for example some age groups, and people with certain conditions or on certain benefits. A pharmacy can tell you if you qualify [2].
Sources
- NHS. Medicines A to Z (opens in new tab) Accessed 12 August 2026.
- NHS. NHS services (opens in new tab) Accessed 12 August 2026.
About this page
- Written by
- Consumer Health editorial team
- Medical review
- Pending — this page has not yet been reviewed by a named clinician. Read our medical review policy.
- Last updated
- August 2026
- Next review due
- August 2027
Important: This information is for general guidance only and does not replace professional medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Always speak to a qualified healthcare professional — such as your GP or pharmacist — for advice about your individual circumstances, and do not start, stop or change any prescribed treatment based only on this page. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 999. Consumer Health is an independent health-information resource and is not the NHS or a government body.
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