PRESCRIPTIONS

Repeat Prescriptions

• ALL PRESCRIPTION REQUESTS:  An increasing number of patients seem to be requesting their repeat prescriptions direct from the pharmacy.  If you have an arrangement with the pharmacy you will need to allow at least 5 working days before asking your pharmacy for your prescription.  Please note we need 2 working days from receipt of this request from the pharmacy before your prescription will be ready for the pharmacy to pick up.

• If you are on repeat medication you will receive a re-order form with your prescription.  Use this to tick the medication you require, and allow 2 working days for it to be processed.  The prescriptions can then be collected from the Reception.  If you supply a SAE with your request, we can post the completed prescription back to you.

• Repeat prescriptions can be ordered by E-mail (click on banner below) or fax (0844 815 1073) providing information including your name, date of birth, drugs required & dosage.  Allow us two working days prior to picking up your prescriptions.  Please note that emails are not secure or encrypted so do avoid sending any information that you wish to remain confidential.

• All prescriptions whether faxed, emailed or handed into reception must have marked on each request if you want the prescription to go to a specific pharmacy.

• Bartholomew Way Chemist  Alliance chemist has now become part of the Boots group.  If you would like prescriptions sent there please mark 'Local Boots' to avoid confusion with the town centre Boots.

• WE CANNOT TAKE REQUESTS OVER THE TELEPHONE.

• If your doctor needs to review your medication it will be indicated on your re-order form.

N.B.  Please return old or unused medicines to reception.  Some of these can be used, others will need to be carefully disposed of.  Do not throw old medicines away as they are highly polluting

Generic Medicine

• About your medicines: Next time you visit us you may be prescribed medicines which look different to your last supply.  This may mean that the doctor has prescribed a generic medicine for you.  If you are worried about a change in the name or appearance of your medicines, check with your pharmacist or doctor who will explain why they are different.

• Where do your medicines come from?  New drugs are developed by drug companies who patent them and give them a special brand name.  This is so that other companies cannot copy them.   It also helps people to remember the name of their medicine.  The other name for a medicine is its generic name.  One example of a generic medicine is paracetamol, which is commonly known by the brand name Panadol.

• What is a generic medicine?  After the patent has run out for a branded medicine other companies can manufacture it under a generic name.  The medicine is just as safe and effective as the original branded product but it is usually much cheaper.  Using generic medicines saves the NHS millions of pounds and allows money to be spent on other treatments.

• Why do generic medicines look different?  The original colour and shape of branded medicines are different in colour, size, shape and even taste.  This does not alter the effects of the medicine.   In some cases tablets and capsules have special coatings so that the medicine lasts longer in the body and the doctor may feel that it is best for you to stick to one brand.

• Checklist for patients.  Discuss any worries about your medicines with your pharmacist or doctor.  Know your medication by its generic name and strength.  Take your prescription to the same pharmacy each time.  Generic prescribing is simple an can save the NHS money.  You and other patients can benefit from this extra money and the improvements to healthcare that it can bring.