A repeat prescription is a prescription for a medication you take on an ongoing basis — one that your GP has already assessed and approved for long-term use. Rather than attending a full consultation every time you need a refill, repeat prescriptions allow patients with stable, chronic conditions to collect their medication more conveniently. In Ireland, repeat prescriptions are issued by your GP and can be dispensed at any registered pharmacy.
Who Can Get a Repeat Prescription?
Repeat prescriptions are typically available to patients who have been diagnosed with a chronic or long-term condition and whose treatment has been reviewed and stabilised by their GP. Common examples include medications for high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, asthma, thyroid conditions, high cholesterol, and anxiety or depression.
Not every medication is suitable for repeat prescribing. Certain controlled drugs — such as strong painkillers or sleep medications — must be reviewed at each prescription, and your GP may ask you to attend an appointment before issuing these. Similarly, if your condition or dosage has recently changed, a review appointment will usually be required before a new prescription can be issued.
How Do You Request a Repeat Prescription in Ireland?
The process for requesting a repeat prescription varies slightly between GP practices, but in general you should contact your clinic in advance — ideally two to three working days before you run out of your current supply. Most practices accept requests by phone, by email, or through an online patient portal if one is available.
When making your request, be ready to provide your name, date of birth, and the names and dosages of the medications you need. It helps to have your previous prescription or a recent medication packet to hand so you can confirm the exact details. Some practices issue repeat prescriptions without requiring you to come in, particularly if your condition has been stable for some time. Others may ask you to attend for a periodic review, especially if you are due for a blood pressure check, blood test, or other routine monitoring. This is not bureaucracy for its own sake — it is an important safety step to make sure your medication is still working as it should.
Can You Get a Repeat Prescription Without an Appointment?
In many cases, yes. If your GP has already reviewed your medication and confirmed it is suitable for repeat prescribing, you can often request a refill without a face-to-face appointment. Your GP will either print the prescription for collection at the surgery or, increasingly, issue an electronic prescription (eScript) directly to your chosen pharmacy.
Electronic prescribing is becoming more common in Ireland as part of the broader digitalisation of primary care. With an eScript, there is no paper to collect — the prescription is sent securely to your pharmacy, and you simply go in to collect your medication. Ask your GP practice whether they offer this option.
That said, most GPs will want to review patients on long-term medications at least once a year. Conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and asthma can change over time, and your medication may need adjusting. These review appointments are usually straightforward and brief, but they play an important role in keeping your treatment plan up to date.
Repeat Prescriptions and the GMS / Medical Card
If you hold a medical card, prescription charges under the GMS scheme are significantly reduced. As of 2024, medical card holders pay a dispensing fee of €1.50 per item, up to a maximum of €15 per month per person. Children under 18 who hold a medical card pay no prescription charges at all.
If you are a Doctor Visit Card holder, note that the DVC covers the cost of GP consultations but does not extend to prescription charges — you will still pay the standard pharmacy dispensing fee. Private patients can avail of the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS), which caps the amount a household pays for approved prescription medicines at €80 per calendar month. If your regular medication costs are approaching or exceeding this figure, speak to your GP or pharmacist about registering for the DPS.
If you do not yet have a GP in Dublin, you can register with a GP at any of our Clarius Health clinics. New patients are always welcome.
Book an Appointment at Clarius Health
Whether you need to set up a repeat prescription for the first time, request a medication review, or register with a GP who offers a straightforward repeat prescribing service, the team at Clarius Health is here to help.
We have three convenient clinics across Dublin: Clarius Health Camden at 35 Camden Street Upper, Dublin 2; Clarius Health Crumlin at Kildare Road, Dublin 12; and Clarius Health — Cabra Medical Centre at 109 Cabra Road, Dublin 7. We welcome both private patients and medical card holders.
To get started, contact us or book online today.
