Why Was My Repeat Prescription Rejected?

Key Information

• The Reality: Having a repeat prescription request rejected can be frustrating.
• The Reason: There is always an important and simple reason behind it, and this is almost always linked to your safety.
• The Goal: Our priority is your health and safety. These processes are in place to make sure we prescribe responsibly.

4 Common Reasons for a Rejected Request

• 1. You Are Due for a Medication Review: Many long-term medicines need regular checks to make sure they are still the right and safest option for you. This might involve a blood test, a blood pressure check, or a conversation with a clinician.
• 2. The Request Is Too Early: To reduce waste and keep prescribing safe, we usually ask that you order your next prescription no more than 7 to 10 days before you are due to run out.
• 3. The Item Is Not on Your Repeat List: You may have requested a medicine you had a long time ago, or one that was only meant to be prescribed once. In these situations, you may need to speak to a doctor first.
• 4. You Were Recently Discharged from Hospital: If you have recently left hospital, we may need to wait for the formal discharge letter before we can safely take over prescribing any new medication.

What Should You Do Next?

If your request is rejected, please check for a message in the NHS App or a text from us. We will always try to explain the reason clearly.

This message will tell you what to do next, whether that means contacting us through our online service to arrange a review, or submitting a new request with more information.

Last reviewed: 15 April 2026
Next review due: 15 April 2029