Understanding the NHS 111 Emergency Prescription Service
Running out of essential medication can be a stressful experience, especially outside of regular GP surgery hours. The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK provides a vital service to handle these situations through its NHS 111 service [1.2.3]. A 111 emergency prescription is not a new prescription for a new ailment; rather, it's a mechanism to obtain an urgent, limited supply of a medicine you are already prescribed on a repeat basis and have completely run out of [1.2.1].
This service is crucial for patient safety and continuity of care, preventing treatment interruptions for chronic conditions. It is specifically designed for situations where it's not possible to get a standard prescription from your GP, such as on weekends or bank holidays [1.6.5]. The goal is to divert non-emergency cases away from A&E and reduce the burden on out-of-hours GP services, which can be occupied with patients who have more acute clinical needs [1.2.7].
When Should You Use the 111 Emergency Prescription Service?
You should use the 111 service for a prescription when you need your regular medication urgently and cannot get a prescription from your usual GP surgery [1.6.5]. Ideal scenarios include:
- You have completely run out of a repeat medication.
- Your GP surgery is closed.
- You have lost or damaged your medication.
- You are away from home and have forgotten your medication [1.5.5].
It's important to note this service is for non-symptomatic callers who only need a repeat supply [1.2.7]. If you have run out of medicine but are also experiencing any new or worsening symptoms, you should call 111 and speak to an advisor for a full assessment instead of using the online prescription request service [1.2.1, 1.6.3].
How to Get a 111 Emergency Prescription: A Step-by-Step Guide
Obtaining an emergency supply involves a clear process coordinated by NHS 111.
- Contact NHS 111: The first step is to either call 111 or use the NHS 111 online service [1.3.2]. The online service is often the quickest route if your request is straightforward [1.3.5].
- Answer the Assessment Questions: You will be asked a series of questions to assess your situation. These include details about the medicine you need, when you are due to take your next dose, your location, and confirmation that you have a regular repeat prescription for it [1.3.2, 1.6.3].
- Referral to a Pharmacy: If your request is deemed appropriate, NHS 111 will refer you to a local community pharmacy that provides the urgent supply service [1.2.5, 1.5.5]. The system helps locate a pharmacy near you that is open.
- Visit the Pharmacy: You will need to visit the designated pharmacy in person [1.3.3]. It is highly recommended to bring evidence of your repeat prescription, such as the medication's packaging or an old prescription slip, to help the pharmacist verify your need [1.3.3].
- Pharmacist Consultation: The pharmacist will review the referral and may ask you further questions to confirm the medication and dose are appropriate for you [1.3.3]. The final decision to supply the medicine rests with the pharmacist, who must ensure the supply is safe and necessary [1.3.5].
Medications and Costs
The emergency supply service covers most prescription-only medicines for up to 30 days of treatment [1.5.4]. However, there are important exceptions. You cannot use this service to get:
- Antibiotics for a new or recent problem [1.5.1].
- Controlled drugs (Schedules 1, 2, or 3), such as morphine or diamorphine [1.5.1, 1.5.2].
For certain items like inhalers, creams, or insulin, the pharmacist will typically supply the smallest available pack size [1.5.4].
Regarding cost, you will be charged the standard NHS prescription fee unless you are exempt [1.2.1]. As of September 2025, the prescription charge in England is £9.90 per item [1.4.1, 1.8.2]. If you normally receive free prescriptions (e.g., due to age, income, or medical exemption), the emergency supply will also be free [1.4.3].
| Option for Prescription | Best For | Typical Process | Potential Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP Surgery | Standard repeat prescriptions | Contact surgery, allow 2-5 working days [1.2.2]. | Standard prescription charge (£9.90) or free if exempt [1.4.4]. | The primary and most routine option. |
| NHS 111 | Urgent, out-of-hours repeat supply | Contact 111 online or by phone for referral [1.3.2]. | Standard prescription charge or free if exempt [1.4.3]. | For when you've run out and your GP is closed. |
| Community Pharmacist | Immediate need with evidence | Visit pharmacy in-person; pharmacist assesses need [1.3.3]. | May be chargeable even if you're normally exempt [1.6.4]. | Pharmacist can provide emergency supply at their discretion. |
| A&E | Medical emergencies only | Go to A&E for urgent medical assessment [1.2.2]. | Prescriptions from A&E are typically free. | Should not be used just for a repeat prescription request [1.2.7]. |
Conclusion
The 111 emergency prescription service is an essential part of the NHS urgent care system, providing a lifeline for patients who unexpectedly run out of their regular medication. By following the correct procedure—contacting NHS 111 online or by phone—you can get a referral for a limited supply from a community pharmacy, ensuring your treatment is not interrupted. It's a structured, safe, and efficient alternative to visiting A&E for a non-emergency issue. However, the best practice is always to order your repeat prescriptions from your GP in good time to avoid needing an emergency supply in the first place [1.6.5].
For more information, you can visit the official NHS website: https://111.nhs.uk/emergency-prescription
