NHS Prescriptions

TimeLord1

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82176055#Comment_82176055

Did you notice the change to monthly this year Marcia?

TimeLord1

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82176118#Comment_82176118

Lol I know what you mean taking home more bags of prescriptions than shopping rattling like a pair of maracas. 😁

beckstar1975

hmm, just had my hrt for 12 weeks, nerve pain meds for 8 weeks and painkillers and migraine meds for 4 weeks. Exactly as has been for past few years. HRT was 6 monthly but I asked to reduce as may need it changing soon ish

Ms_Chocaholic

I didn't know this was a thing, I'm going to make enquriies. What medication is exempt does anyone know

beckstar1975

no idea but several of mine are still being prescribed for 8-12 weeks, but they are lifelong conditions the GP alone is managing

marcia_

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82176192#Comment_82176192

no it was a couple of years ago. I think as a result of the local nhs board new rules around waste, it might not have been a country wide thing

elsien

This is a local policy which summarises the regional decisions and shows where prescriptions may be for longer.

https://nwknowledgenow.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/NSICB-28-Day-Prescribing-Position-Statement-v1.1.pdf

it is a framework, not a law and not absolutely sat in stone so as before GP will make their own decisions following the guidance from the local ICB

There isn’t a national list of which specific prescriptions can be for longer because it doesn’t work like that.

Some of it might also be around supply chain resilience and especially where medications can be harder to get hold of - you don’t want some people stock piling while others can’t get hold of it at all - the medication equivalent of emptying the supermarket shelves.

UnsureAboutthis

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82176131#Comment_82176131

I agree. Our GP practice can be hit-or-miss, though generally positive. They frequently approve two months of medication—and occasionally three upon special request—though it largely depends on which clinician signs off on the prescription.

Recently, I received a three-month supply of a prescription I have taken for years. When the medication started causing adverse effects, the GP altered my prescription, resulting in over two months' worth of unused medicine being wasted. I'm guessing that pharmacies are unable to re-dispense returned medications, even if unopened, as they cannot guarantee the storage conditions.

The NHS is facing severe pressures, and finding a workable solution is certainly challenging for several reasons which I wont go into.

Makingabobor2

Both DH & I still get 2 months