How RepeatsDirect Works

RepeatsDirect is a UK online pharmacy service that helps patients in England save money on NHS prescriptions by switching cheap generic medications to private prescriptions.

Why does the NHS charge more than drugs cost?

The NHS prescription charge of £9.90 per item is a flat fee that covers more than just the drug cost. It includes pharmacy dispensing fees, administrative costs, and a small contribution towards NHS services. For expensive branded medications, this flat fee can actually represent a subsidy. But for cheap generic drugs — those costing under £1 per month's supply — patients paying the charge are contributing far more than the drug itself costs.

In 2024/25, NHSBSA data shows 1.26 billion prescription items were dispensed in England at a total cost of £11.2 billion. 89% of items were dispensed for free (to exempt patients). The 11% of items where patients paid generated approximately £670 million for the NHS.

Which drugs are affected?

Many of the UK's most prescribed medications are cheap generic drugs where the Drug Tariff price is well under £1:

• Atorvastatin 20mg — Drug Tariff price approximately 42p. 73 million items dispensed annually.
• Amlodipine 5mg — Drug Tariff price approximately 80p. 40 million items dispensed annually.
• Ramipril 5mg — Drug Tariff price approximately 60p. 35 million items dispensed annually.
• Omeprazole 20mg — Drug Tariff price approximately 70p. 36 million items dispensed annually.
• Sertraline 50mg — Drug Tariff price approximately 68p. 23 million items dispensed annually.

For patients paying the £9.90 prescription charge for any of these medications, the charge is 10–20 times the actual drug cost.

What is a pharmacist independent prescriber?

A pharmacist independent prescriber (PIP) is a registered pharmacist who has completed additional postgraduate training to qualify as an independent prescriber. PIPs are registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and are legally authorised to diagnose, assess, and prescribe any medication within their competence — without needing a GP to countersign or supervise.

PIPs work within the same regulatory framework as doctor prescribers and are bound by the same professional standards and duty of care.

How does the clinical review work?

When you book a clinical review with RepeatsDirect, here is what happens:

1. Short phone or video call — approximately 15 minutes, at a time that suits you.
2. Medication review — our pharmacist independent prescriber reviews your current medications, relevant medical history, and any recent test results you can share.
3. Prescription decision — if the medication is appropriate for private prescribing, the PIP issues a private prescription. There is no pressure or obligation.
4. Dispensing and dispatch — your medication is dispensed at our GPhC-registered pharmacy and posted to your door.
5. GP notification — we send a summary letter to your GP practice to keep your medical records up to date.

Is the medication the same?

Yes. The generic medications we dispense are identical in formulation, active ingredients, and quality to those dispensed on NHS prescriptions. All medications come from MHRA-licensed wholesalers and manufacturers and meet the same quality standards regardless of the prescription route.

Who should use RepeatsDirect?

RepeatsDirect is best suited to patients who:

• Currently pay the NHS prescription charge (£9.90 per item)
• Take one or more long-term, stable medications that are cheap generic drugs
• Are not already exempt from prescription charges
• Have their medication reviewed regularly by a GP or other healthcare professional

RepeatsDirect is not suitable for patients who are already exempt from prescription charges (such as those over 60, under 16, pregnant, or holding a valid medical exemption certificate), as their NHS prescriptions are already free.

What about a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC)?

A PPC lets you pay a fixed amount (£114.50/year or £32.05/quarter in 2024/25) for unlimited NHS prescriptions. If you regularly pay for 12 or more prescription items per year, a PPC saves you money.

However, RepeatsDirect is often more cost-effective if you only take a small number of cheap generic medications. At £5.50 per item, you save £4.40 per item per month compared to the NHS charge — and you don't need to pay upfront for an annual certificate. You can also use both: a PPC for your higher-cost or more complex medications, and RepeatsDirect for your cheapest generics.

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