An update to the NHS App prescriptions feature is helping improve how patients view and manage their repeat medicines — reducing confusion for patients and helping practices cut down on unnecessary prescription queries.
Previously, patients could only see repeat medicines that were currently available to order in the NHS App. This often led to confusion when medicines appeared to be “missing”, particularly if they were too early to request or required a medication review.
With the latest update, patients can now see all their active repeat medicines in one place, including items that cannot yet be requested. The NHS App will clearly explain why an item is unavailable to order, for example because:
- it is too soon to request again
- a medication review is required
- the prescription is no longer due
This improved visibility helps patients better understand their medication status and supports safer, more informed use of repeat medicines.
All TPP practices are now live with the feature, with Optum (formerly EMIS) practices beginning rollout from June.
For GP practices, the change is expected to:
- reduce unnecessary repeat prescription requests
- lower prescription-related enquiries to reception and admin teams
- improve patient understanding of repeat medication processes
- support safer prescribing and medicines management
This is a positive update that addresses a common source of patient confusion and should help reduce avoidable administrative workload for practices.
Practices and primary care teams can share feedback on the feature using the NHS feedback form.