If you take regular medication, you know the routine: phone the GP surgery, wait on hold, hope there is an appointment available, take time off work, sit in the waiting room, and finally get your prescription renewed. It is a frustrating process, especially when you already know what medication you need.
In 2026, there is a better way. Online GP services like GetYourGP allow you to request repeat prescriptions from your phone or computer, with prescriptions sent directly to your pharmacy, often on the same day.
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:
It is important to note that a repeat prescription is not automatic. A GP must review your request each time and confirm the medication remains safe and effective for you.
Online prescriptions in Ireland are governed by the same regulations as traditional prescriptions:
An online GP consultation is a legitimate medical consultation. 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.
The entire process can take as little as a few hours from request to pharmacy collection.
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.
With GetYourGP, repeat prescriptions start from EUR 25. This is significantly less than the cost of a full in-person GP consultation (typically EUR 50-70 for private patients).
Pricing breakdown:
Check our pricing page for the most up-to-date fees.
Pharmacy costs are separate. The cost of the medication itself depends on your pharmacy and whether you are eligible for the Drugs Payment Scheme (currently capped at EUR 80 per month per family) or hold a medical card.
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.
Most repeat prescriptions are processed within a few hours. Urgent requests can often be turned around faster. Your prescription is sent directly to your pharmacy once approved.
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.
Yes. Online prescriptions are issued by Irish Medical Council registered GPs following the same clinical standards as in-person prescriptions. The GP reviews your full medical history before issuing any medication.
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. All GPs on GetYourGP have access to your medical records and previous consultations, so any GP can safely manage your repeat prescription.
*This article was reviewed by Dr. Fasi Ullah, a General Practitioner registered with the Irish Medical Council. The information provided is for educational purposes and does not replace personalised medical advice.*
*Last updated: March 2026*
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.
PrescriptionsNeed a prescription quickly? This guide explains how to get prescriptions online from Irish-registered GPs and have them sent to your pharmacy.
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.