Online prescriptions have become a convenient and legal way to obtain medication in Ireland. Whether you need a repeat prescription or treatment for a new condition, here is how the process works — and what it can and cannot do.
How Online Prescriptions Work
- Request a Prescription: Submit your medication request with details about your condition and medical history
- GP Review: An Irish Medical Council registered GP assesses your request — this is a clinical assessment, not a formality, and the GP may ask follow-up questions or arrange a brief consultation
- Prescription Issued: If the GP judges it clinically appropriate, they issue an electronic prescription
- Pharmacy Collection: Collect your medication from your chosen pharmacy — the prescription is sent to it electronically via Healthmail, so it needs to be a pharmacy that can receive prescriptions that way (most Irish pharmacies can)
Types of Prescriptions Available Online
Repeat Prescriptions
- Contraceptive pills
- Asthma inhalers
- Blood pressure medication
- Thyroid medication
New Prescriptions
- UTI treatment
- Skin conditions (acne, eczema)
- Hay fever medication
- Hair loss treatment
- Erectile dysfunction
- Weight loss medication
Is It Legal?
Yes. Online prescribing is fully legal in Ireland when the prescriber is registered with the Irish Medical Council, a proper clinical assessment is conducted, and the prescription is for a legitimate medical need. The prescription issued is identical in legal standing to one from an in-person visit — our guide to how prescriptions work in Ireland covers the rules in detail.
What cannot be prescribed online
Not every medicine suits remote prescribing, and a GP can — and sometimes will — decline a request. In particular:
- Controlled drugs (strong painkillers, sedatives, stimulants) have stricter legal requirements and are generally not issued through an online-only request
- Medicines that need monitoring — blood tests, blood pressure checks or specialist review — may need an in-person visit first
- A GP who does not hold your full medical history will prescribe more cautiously, and may issue a shorter supply than your own GP would
If a request is declined, the GP will explain why and what to do instead.
Cost of Online Prescriptions
Prescription requests start from €25 — current fees are on our pricing page. The medication itself is then purchased separately at your pharmacy.
How Long Does It Take?
Most requests are reviewed and completed the same day, with the prescription sent electronically to your chosen pharmacy for collection.
This article was reviewed by Dr. Shahnawaz, a General Practitioner registered with the Irish Medical Council. The information provided is for educational purposes and does not replace personalised medical advice.