Why do medicines sometimes have more than one name?

Medicines will often have more than one name: a generic name and a brand name

The generic name is the official medical name for the active ingredient of the medicine.  The brand name is chosen by the manufacturer.  If there is more than one manufacturer there may be many brand names for the same drug.

Your GP will usually prescribe your medication by generic name.  It is therefore important that when ordering your repeat medication you have your re-order slip in front of you.

How do I know if my medication is on repeat?

If your medication is on repeat, you will be given a re-order slip  to tick off the medication you require.

Sometimes the GP might decide not to add your regular medication to repeat e.g. antidepressants etc.  This is usually because the GP needs to ensure you are being seen periodically.  These prescription requests are called ‘special requests’. 

REPEAT MEDICATION

Any items requested from your re-order slip will be available the next working day after 2pm.  ‘Any items that are not listed on your re-order slip must be requested as a ‘special request’

SPECIAL REQUESTS

Items requested will be available in 2 working days after 2pm.  This is to allow the GP sufficient time to check your medical records.

REQUESTING MEDICATION

Many local pharmacies offer an ordering and collection service to avoid patients having to travel to the Health Centre.  Ask at your local pharmacy for full details.

If you would prefer to travel to the Health Centre to collect your prescription you can 

• Order by telephone after 10am on 531 8170. 

• You must have your re-order slip in front of you.

• Hand your re-order slip to the receptionist or place it in the red post box at reception.

• Fax in your re-order slip on 531 8167.

• Post in your request. 

• We cannot post these back to you unless you enclose an S.A.E.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

Please ensure you leave sufficient time for ordering your medication.  Reception staff are not permitted to interrupt the GP to sign prescriptions requested the same day.

Please ensure you take care of any prescribed medication.  The GP may not issue replacement prescriptions for lost medication.  Medication must be kept out of the reach of children.

You should only request repeat medication that you are running out of.  Stockpiling medication is an unnecessary drain on NHS funds.   It is also potentially dangerous.

It is important that you attend the surgery at least once per year so that we can carry out any necessary reviews.  Most of these reviews can be carried out by the Practice Nurse.