How to Get a Prescription Quickly in London
Running out of medication is stressful. Needing new medication urgently even more so. The NHS system is not designed for speed, but alternatives exist.
Here is how to get prescriptions quickly and legitimately in London.
Understanding Prescription Types
Before discussing how to get prescriptions quickly, understanding the types helps.
NHS prescriptions cost a fixed fee per item, currently £9.90, or are free for those who qualify. They can only be issued by NHS prescribers and dispensed at any pharmacy.
Private prescriptions are issued by private doctors and dispensed at any pharmacy. You pay the full cost of the medication plus any dispensing fee. Prices vary significantly between pharmacies for the same medication.
Some medications are only available on prescription for safety reasons. Antibiotics, blood pressure tablets, antidepressants, and many others require a doctor to assess suitability before supply.
Why NHS Prescriptions Can Be Slow
Getting a prescription through the NHS requires an appointment. Current NHS GP waits in London average two to three weeks. That is too long if you have run out of essential medication or need something urgently.
Repeat prescriptions from your regular NHS GP should be faster. Most practices allow 48 to 72 hour requests for repeat medications. But if your GP wants to review you before continuing, that wait can extend.
NHS 111 can sometimes arrange urgent prescriptions but this involves lengthy phone calls, assessments, and often ends with being told to contact your GP anyway.
How Private Prescriptions Work
Private GPs can issue prescriptions after appropriate consultation. This is the same medical assessment you would have on the NHS, just delivered faster.
The doctor assesses whether medication is appropriate, considers your medical history and current medications, chooses the right drug and dose, and issues a prescription.
Private prescriptions can be issued during same day appointments. Book in the morning, have your prescription by afternoon.
Need a prescription today? WhatsApp us to arrange a same day consultation
What Medications Can Be Prescribed
Private GPs can prescribe most medications including antibiotics for infections, contraception (pills, patches, and emergency contraception), blood pressure and cholesterol medications, diabetes treatments, asthma inhalers and allergy medications, skin treatments for acne, eczema, and other conditions, mental health medications including antidepressants and anti anxiety drugs, pain relief including stronger options when appropriate, sleeping tablets in appropriate circumstances, hormone replacement therapy, thyroid medication, and many others.
Controlled drugs such as strong opioid painkillers, certain sleep medications, and ADHD treatments have additional regulatory requirements but can be prescribed when clinically appropriate.
The Consultation Process
Even urgent prescription needs require proper medical consultation. This is for your safety.
The doctor will ask about your symptoms or ongoing condition, review your medication history to check for interactions, assess whether the requested medication is appropriate, consider alternatives if relevant, and explain how to take the medication safely.
For repeat medications you have taken before, this process is straightforward. For new medications, more thorough assessment is needed.
Video consultations work well for prescription needs. You do not necessarily need to attend in person if you simply need medication rather than examination.
What About Cost
You pay for the private consultation, typically £150 to £180 for video or standard appointments.
You then pay for the medication itself at the pharmacy. Private prescription medication prices vary. Shopping around can save significant money.
Some medications are much more expensive privately than the NHS prescription charge. Others are comparable or even cheaper.
For branded medications or less common drugs, private prices can be substantial. For generic medications, prices are often reasonable.
Getting the Best Medication Price
Ask your doctor to prescribe generic versions where available. These contain the same active ingredient as branded versions but cost much less.
Compare pharmacy prices. Large chains like Boots and Lloyds often have higher prices than independent pharmacies. Online pharmacies may offer better prices for ongoing medications.
Some pharmacies offer price matching or discounts. It is worth asking.
For regular medications, consider whether NHS prescriptions make more financial sense for ongoing use even if you use private GP services for the initial prescription.
Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception (morning after pill) is time sensitive. Effectiveness decreases with delay.
Private GPs can prescribe emergency contraception immediately during same day consultations. The consultation also covers checking for interactions with other medications and discussing ongoing contraception options.
Some pharmacies sell emergency contraception without prescription but this often involves waiting, answering questions at a pharmacy counter, and potentially paying more than a private consultation plus prescription would cost.
Mental Health Medications
Starting or adjusting mental health medications ideally involves proper consultation rather than a rushed transaction.
Private consultations allow time to discuss how you are feeling, explore options, explain how medications work, and set appropriate expectations.
Same day access means you do not have to suffer for weeks waiting for NHS appointments when you need help now.
Antibiotics Appropriately
Antibiotics are only appropriate for bacterial infections. They do not work on viral infections like colds and most coughs.
A responsible doctor will not prescribe antibiotics without assessing whether they are actually needed. This is not about making things difficult but about ensuring effective treatment while preventing antibiotic resistance.
If assessment indicates bacterial infection, antibiotics are prescribed. If viral infection is more likely, you will receive advice on management and indications for returning if things worsen.
After You Have Your Prescription
Take prescriptions to any pharmacy. Most can dispense immediately. Some medications may need ordering with next day availability.
Read the dispensed information carefully. Understand how to take the medication, what side effects to watch for, and what to do if problems occur.
Contact your prescribing doctor if you have questions or concerns after starting medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you prescribe medications I take regularly from my NHS GP?
Usually yes. Bring details of your current medications. We can issue private prescriptions for most regular medications after appropriate review.
What if I have run out and cannot wait for an NHS appointment?
This is exactly what same day private appointments are for. Contact us and we can usually see you the same day.
Can I get a private prescription converted to NHS later?
Your NHS GP may be willing to continue medication we have started on NHS prescription. This depends on their clinical agreement and practice policy.
What about prescriptions for travel?
We can prescribe antimalarials, altitude sickness prevention, and other travel related medications after appropriate consultation.