Emergency Supply of Medicines
When your pharmacist can dispense medicine without a prescription
In certain urgent situations, a pharmacist is legally permitted to supply a prescription-only medicine without a prescription — this is known as an emergency supply. It is an important safety net for patients who urgently need their regular medication and cannot immediately obtain a prescription.
When can a pharmacist make an emergency supply?
There are two situations in which an emergency supply can be made. The first is when a prescriber (such as a GP or hospital doctor) contacts the pharmacist directly and requests that a medicine be supplied urgently, confirming that a prescription will follow within 72 hours. The second is when a patient requests an emergency supply in person — in this case the pharmacist must be satisfied that the patient has an immediate need for the medicine, that it is impractical to get a prescription, and that the medicine has previously been prescribed for them.
What medicines can be supplied?
Most prescription-only medicines can be supplied in an emergency. However, there are important exceptions — in particular, most controlled drugs (such as strong painkillers like morphine or sleep medicines like temazepam) cannot be supplied this way. The quantity that can be supplied is also limited — usually no more than five days' worth for most medicines, though some exceptions apply (such as insulin and oral contraceptives where longer supplies are permitted).
What the pharmacist needs to know
Before making an emergency supply, the pharmacist will ask you several questions — what the medicine is, why you need it urgently, who normally prescribes it for you, and why it has not been possible to get a prescription. This is not just a formality — the pharmacist is exercising their professional judgement to ensure that the supply is safe and appropriate for you. All emergency supplies must be fully documented.
What to do after an emergency supply
An emergency supply is a short-term solution. You should contact your GP as soon as possible to arrange a proper prescription. If you are frequently running out of medication, it may be worth discussing a longer-term solution with your GP — such as a repeat prescription — or setting up automatic repeat dispensing at your pharmacy so you never run out again.
Emergency contraception
Emergency hormonal contraception (the morning-after pill) is available directly from pharmacies without a prescription, following a private consultation with the pharmacist. It is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. The pharmacist will ask some questions to make sure it is appropriate for you and advise on the best option. This information has been prepared following careful evaluation of current pharmacy and medicines regulations guidance.