Emergency Medicine Service

When to use the Emergency Medicine Service

Walk in and speak to a pharmacist if:

• Your GP surgery is closed and you have run out of your regular medication
• You are away from home and have forgotten your medicines
• Your repeat prescription request has not been processed in time
• You have lost or damaged your medication
• A bank holiday or weekend leaves your GP unavailable for several days
• You need medication immediately and cannot wait for an appointment

Seek urgent medical advice instead if you have new or worsening symptoms, have missed several doses of a critical medicine such as insulin or an anti-epileptic, or are unsure about your dosage. We will advise whether an emergency supply is right or whether you need NHS 111, urgent care or A&E.

What is the Emergency Medicine Service?

Under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012, pharmacists can supply certain prescription-only medicines without a prescription in urgent situations, at the patient's request, where specific conditions are met. It bridges the gap between running out and getting a new prescription, and is available during pharmacy opening hours, including evenings and weekends at many branches.

What can be supplied

Most prescription-only medicines can be supplied where the pharmacist is satisfied there is an immediate need and it is impractical for you to get a prescription. That covers medicines for conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, thyroid conditions and mental health conditions.

Controlled drugs in Schedules 1, 2 and 3 are generally excluded, with the exception of phenobarbital for epilepsy. If a medicine cannot be supplied, we will advise how to obtain it urgently, which may mean contacting NHS 111 or an out-of-hours GP service.

How much you can be given

The quantity is limited to the smallest amount providing an adequate course of treatment, typically up to 30 days. For medicines such as insulin, inhalers or creams, the smallest available pack size is supplied. A charge may apply, as the service is not always NHS-funded, and we will tell you any cost before dispensing. The supply is recorded and your GP may be notified to maintain continuity of care.

Bring your previous medication packaging, a repeat prescription slip or any documentation confirming the name, strength and dosage you have been prescribed.

Avoiding running out in future

• Order repeats at least a week before your current supply runs out
• Sign up for your surgery's online prescription ordering service
• Set a recurring reminder to reorder
• Ask about synchronising multiple prescriptions so they run out together
• Keep a note of your medicine names, strengths and doses in your phone or wallet
• Order extra supplies before travelling and carry your prescription details

Find emergency medication near you

No appointment needed, extended opening hours at many branches, and experienced pharmacists who can verify your needs quickly. Use the postcode search above to find your nearest Allied Pharmacy.