How to Renew Your Prescription Online

Your medication is running out, but getting a GP appointment feels like too much effort. Online prescription renewal makes it simpler to keep your regular medications going.

How Online Prescription Renewal Works

• You submit a request for your medication
• Provide details about your medical history and current dosage
• A doctor reviews your request
• If appropriate, they issue an eScript to your phone
• Take your phone to any pharmacy to collect

What Can Be Renewed Online?

Most regular medications can be renewed via telehealth, including:

• Blood pressure medications
• Cholesterol medications
• Diabetes medications (non-insulin)
• Thyroid medications
• Contraceptive pills
• Asthma preventers
• Reflux medications
• Many mental health medications (with appropriate review)
• Skin condition treatments

What Can't Be Renewed Online?

Some medications have restrictions and require in-person care:

• Schedule 8 medications (opioids, stimulants, benzodiazepines)
• Medications requiring regular monitoring (blood tests)
• Some mental health medications (especially first prescriptions)
• Medications that need specialist oversight

Information You'll Need

To renew a prescription online, have ready:

• The medication name, strength, and dosage
• How long you've been taking it
• Who originally prescribed it
• Any side effects or issues
• When your last blood test or review was (if applicable)
• Current medication packaging is helpful

The Review Process

The doctor will check:

• The medication is still appropriate for you
• You're not due for monitoring or tests
• There are no concerning interactions
• The dosage is correct
• You understand how to take it

They may ask follow-up questions or recommend you see your regular GP for a full review.

How Many Repeats Will I Get?

For ongoing medications, doctors typically provide enough to last until your next regular review. This might be:

• 1-2 months supply for medications needing monitoring
• 3-6 months for stable, long-term medications
• Up to 12 months for very stable conditions (with appropriate follow-up scheduled)

Cost of Online Renewals

• Telehealth consultation: typically $20-$50
• Medication cost: depends on PBS status and your concession status
• PBS medications: usually under $30 (under $7.70 with concession)
• Non-PBS medications: varies widely

When to See Your Regular GP Instead

Online renewal is convenient for stable situations. See your GP if:

• Your condition has changed
• You're experiencing side effects
• It's been over a year since your last full review
• You need blood tests or monitoring
• You want to discuss changing medications