If you take regular medication, renewing it usually means booking a GP appointment even when nothing about your health has changed. For many stable, ongoing medicines there is now another route: you can request a repeat prescription online, have an Irish-registered GP review it, and have the prescription sent electronically to your pharmacy — often the same day.
This guide explains how that works, what it costs, and — just as importantly — which medicines cannot be renewed this way.
A repeat prescription is a prescription for medication that you take on an ongoing basis. Rather than the GP conducting a full new assessment each time, they review your current situation and renew the prescription, provided it is still clinically appropriate.
Common reasons for repeat prescriptions include:
A repeat prescription is not automatic: a GP must review your request each time and confirm the medication remains safe and effective for you.
Two rule changes from 2024 are worth knowing about, because a lot of online advice is still out of date. Since 1 March 2024, prescribers can write a prescription valid for up to 12 months where it is safe and appropriate for that patient, and since 1 September 2024 a pharmacist can extend a six-month prescription in defined circumstances — so you may need to renew less often than you used to. Our guide to how prescriptions work in Ireland explains both changes in detail, along with the legal framework for online prescribing: an online GP consultation is a legitimate medical consultation, and the prescription issued is identical in legal standing to one from an in-person visit.
The process is designed to be as quick and convenient as possible:
Register on GetYourGP with your basic details. You only need to do this once. Your medical history and previous prescriptions are stored securely for future visits.
Select "Repeat Prescription" and provide:
An Irish-registered GP reviews your request, including your medical history and any questionnaire responses. If everything is straightforward, your prescription can be issued without a video consultation. If the GP has questions or concerns, they will request a brief consultation.
Once approved, your prescription is sent electronically to your nominated pharmacy. You will receive a notification when it is ready for collection.
Most requests are completed the same day, though timing depends on GP availability and how much needs checking.
Two separate costs are involved and it helps to keep them apart.
The GP fee. This is what you pay for the online request or for a consultation. Current fees are on our pricing page, and appointments in the evening or at the weekend are charged at a higher rate.
The pharmacy cost. This is what you pay for the medicine itself. It depends on the product and on your eligibility under the community drug schemes:
Your pharmacy can tell you what your own medicines will cost before dispensing them, and the HSE publishes the current levy and scheme thresholds.
Most regular medications can be renewed through an online consultation or prescription request. Common examples include:
If you are aged 17-35, you may be eligible for free contraception under the Irish government scheme. Learn more on our free contraception page.
Your GP may ask for a recent blood pressure reading. Home blood pressure monitors are widely available and recommended for patients on BP medication.
Your GP may request recent blood work (lipid profile) if it has been more than 12 months since your last test.
Your GP will want to check how you are feeling and whether your current dose is still appropriate.
Regular blood tests (TSH levels) are recommended, and your GP may request recent results.
Your GP will review your most recent HbA1c and blood glucose control.
Certain medications have restrictions that make online renewal difficult or impossible:
Under the Misuse of Drugs Acts, the following require stricter prescribing controls and typically cannot be issued via an online-only consultation:
These medications require an established doctor-patient relationship with in-person reviews.
Some medications require an initial in-person assessment:
Some prescriptions require blood tests, physical measurements, or procedures that cannot be performed remotely:
If your medication falls into these categories, your GP will advise you on how to proceed, which may include attending a local GP or clinic for the necessary tests.
In many cases, yes. If you are on a stable, ongoing medication and your medical history is up to date, the GP may be able to approve your prescription based on your request alone. If they have any concerns, they will schedule a brief consultation.
Your GP can adjust your medication during the prescription review process. Let them know if you are experiencing side effects or if you would like to discuss alternatives.
Depending on the medication and your clinical situation, your GP may issue a prescription for up to three months' supply. This is common for stable, long-term medications.
If the GP has clinical concerns, they will explain why and discuss alternatives. This might include recommending a blood test, suggesting an in-person review, or adjusting your medication.
No, but continuity of care is beneficial. Any GP on GetYourGP can see the records and previous consultations held on this platform (not your own practice's chart), which is what allows them to manage a repeat prescription safely — and is also why a GP may prescribe more cautiously, or for a shorter period, than a doctor who holds your full history.
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.
General Practitioner
Dr. Fasi Ullah is a registered General Practitioner with the Irish Medical Council, providing expert healthcare advice to patients across Ireland through GetYourGP.
Medical Council Registration Number 433130
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shahnawaz on 27 April 2026
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Skip the waiting room and renew your regular medication online. Irish-registered GPs available 7 days a week, with prescriptions sent directly to your pharmacy.