Managing your repeat prescriptions

How do prescriptions work in Australia?

If you are someone with a current or ongoing health issue, or you have a friend or family experiencing a persistent medical issue, you undoubtedly understand the importance of having ongoing access to your prescriptions.

In Australia, when you see a doctor (either face to face or via telehealth), you may be provided with a prescription. This can be in the form of a paper script or an electronic script, which can be sent to you via SMS or email. This prescription may allow you to get 1 or multiple supplies of the medication, depending on how long the doctor wants you to stay on the therapy, or when the doctor wants to see you again for a follow-up.

Pharmacies will dispense your medication according to the instructions on the prescription. If the doctor had provided repeats for your script, it means you can get the next supply by going to the pharmacy without needing to see the doctor. Typically each supply will last 1 month.

For chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, it is common to get up to 5 repeats on your prescription, meaning the script will provide up to 6 months supply of your medication before you need to go back to the doctor for a new script.

Most medication in Australia is covered under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). The PBS is a government program that works to subsidise medications so that Australians can access the lifesaving prescriptions they need at an affordable cost.

For medications under the PBS, there are specific rules relating to the quantity, number of repeats, and the interval between each supply that is allowed for different medications. If you have any questions about your prescription medications, your local pharmacist will be more than happy to assist.

Ways to help you remember to fill your next script

It is important to continue taking your medicine, and not to stop unless advised by your doctor. For some health conditions, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure, you might not feel any symptoms, nor improvement in symptoms when you start taking medication. However it is still important to continue taking your medication as prescribed to ensure you get the full benefit.

Remembering to fill your next script can be challenging, especially if you take multiple medications or lead a busy lifestyle.

The MedAdvisor app is a useful tool to help you keep on top of your scripts. The app provides a live medication list on the home screen, allowing you to easily see what medications you are taking, how much supply and how many repeats you have left.

When your supply is running low, you will receive a notification advising that it’s time to fill your next repeat. You can easily order from your favourite pharmacy via the app’s ordering function for pick up or delivery. This means no more waiting at the pharmacy! Scroll down to see just how easy it is to order medication using MedAdvisor.

What do I do when I need a new script?

If you have run out of scripts, the MedAdvisor app will also notify you to see the doctor for a new script.

To get a new script, you will need to make an appointment with the doctor for a face-to-face or telehealth consult. Some GP clinics will offer a telehealth option, meaning you can have a phone or video consult with your regular GP. Alternatively, there are some online telehealth services that will allow you to do a video or phone consult with an Australian registered doctor.

Once you receive your new script, you can upload it to the MedAdvisor app and order your medication from your favourite pharmacy.

How do I reorder medication with MedAdvisor?

Step 1:

When you are running low on your medication, the app will send you a reminder notification.

Step 2:

On MedAdvisor's home screen, you’ll find a list of all your prescription medications, updated whenever you fill scripts. Select the medication you are running low on and tap "Order".

Step 3:

Tap “Checkout,” and choose delivery or pick up from pharmacy.

Step 4:

Review your order and confirm the details. Tap “Place Order” to complete.

Step 5:

Your order has been placed successfully! You will receive a notification from the pharmacy when the order has been processed.

MedAdvisor’s app is all about convenience when it comes to your health journey. You are able to order from the comfort of your own home or on the go so that you have access to your prescriptions when you need them. You can order repeat prescriptions from your couch on your own time without putting a hole in the day. The service helps eliminate the stress of keeping track of your medication; you can even have them arrive directly at your door, like magic!

Order around your work schedule and let us help you get the support you need.

Download MedAdvisor for free now.