From February 2026, some medicines can legally be prescribed for up to 12 months.
How this affects your prescriptions:
- Your GP will match the length of your prescription to the timing of your next clinical review
- This means you usually won’t need to call or request repeat prescriptions between appointments.
- Your review schedule with your GP will remain the same — only the prescription length changes, improving the process for you.
For example:
- If you are currently reviewed every 6 months, your GP may provide a 6-month prescription.
- If you are reviewed yearly, a 12-month prescription may be considered.
When a longer prescription may be appropriate
A longer prescription (6–12 months) may be suitable if:
- your condition is stable and well-controlled
- your medication is considered safe for long-term use without frequent monitoring
- required screening, blood tests, and checks are up to date
- you have had a review appointment with your GP to ensure your medications and health are appropriately managed
- any outstanding fees are addressed or a support/payment plan arranged
Your GP will discuss with you whether a longer prescription is suitable for your medication and health needs.
When shorter prescriptions are usually safer
Shorter prescriptions (1–3 months) are often recommended for:
- medicines that need dose changes or titration
- conditions that can change over time
- newly started medications
- controlled / medications
- medicines that carry higher risks without regular review
- medicines that require ongoing monitoring, such as blood tests, blood pressure checks, or other health assessments
Pharmacy dispensing information
Even if your prescription is for longer than 3 months, pharmacies can only dispense up to 3 months of medicine at a time.
- You will need to collect repeats from the same pharmacy each time.
- If you change pharmacies, a new prescription from your GP will be required.
- Some medications may only be dispensed monthly, depending on the type of medicine or supply issues.
- If a Special Authority number expires between 3-monthly dispensings, a new prescription from your GP will be required
Our approach
Prescribing decisions are based on safety and clinical best practice.
If a longer prescription is appropriate, we’re happy to support that.
If a shorter prescription is recommended, it’s because it’s the safest option for your care.
If you’re unsure what applies to your medication, please talk with your GP or our team — we’re always happy to explain.