Prescription renewals
Can I renew an existing prescription online?
A HerDoc GP can review an existing medicine and a renewal request. Prepare your current medicine details, how treatment is working and any recent monitoring so the GP can assess the next step.
Can an existing prescription be renewed online?
Yes. A HerDoc GP can review an existing medicine or prescription renewal request in a phone consultation. Previous use is helpful information, but the GP also needs to assess your current health, treatment benefit, side effects and monitoring before deciding whether to prescribe.
Prepare for your renewal review
If you still have repeats on an existing prescription, ask your pharmacy whether a repeat can be dispensed. A renewal is a request for a new prescription. If you are unsure which you need, your pharmacy can help clarify your existing prescription.
Have the medicine packaging or a clear label photo handy, along with recent results and advice from your usual prescriber. You can upload relevant documents during intake.
- The medicine name, strength, dose you actually take and how often you take it.
- Why it was started, how long you have used it and who usually prescribes it.
- How well it helps, side effects, missed doses or difficulties taking it.
- Recent changes to your health or other medicines, and the date of your last review or monitoring.
- How much medicine remains and whether your existing prescription has repeats.
Review how treatment is working
A renewal review is a chance to discuss benefit, side effects and whether your current treatment still meets your needs. Mention any trouble taking it as directed; this helps the GP understand your actual use.
You can ask whether treatment or monitoring needs to change. The decision depends on the medicine, your health and the information available, rather than previous prescribing alone.
Healthdirect’s medicine question guide suggests useful questions about treatment benefits, side effects and your options.
When more information is needed
Recent results, measurements, records or an examination may be needed before the GP can make a prescribing decision. If another doctor or specialist manages your treatment, their advice may also matter.
The GP can explain what is missing and whether follow-up with HerDoc, your usual prescriber or an in-person service is needed. An online appointment does not replace checks that require an examination or testing.
If you are running low or a renewal is not issued
If you are running low, seek advice from your usual prescriber or pharmacist before your supply runs out. If it has already run out, let them know the medicine details, when you last took it and any symptoms. HerDoc cannot promise a renewal or uninterrupted supply.
If a renewal is not issued, ask the GP what to do about your ongoing treatment and who to contact next. A declined request is not an instruction to stop or change a medicine yourself.
If a new prescription is issued, the process page explains electronic tokens and pharmacy arrangements.
Severe reactions, overdose or poisoning
Call 000 now for severe breathing difficulty, swelling of the face or throat, collapse, unresponsiveness, a seizure, severe confusion or another severe or rapidly worsening reaction. Do not wait for a HerDoc appointment.
If someone may have taken the wrong medicine or too much medicine, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for immediate advice, even if there are no symptoms. If the person is unresponsive, not breathing normally or showing signs of overdose, call 000 for an ambulance.
For non-emergency health advice while HerDoc is unavailable, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak with a registered nurse.
Join the HerDoc waitlist
HerDoc is preparing to launch. Join the waiting list for updates, but use your current prescriber or another available service if you need a renewal before launch.
Related pages
FAQs
Does taking a medicine for years mean it can be renewed?
Not necessarily. The GP needs to consider how it is working now, any health changes or side effects, and whether monitoring is due. Previous treatment records help but do not replace the current review.
What if my monitoring is overdue?
Mention it when discussing the renewal and have any earlier results handy. The GP may need updated checks or information before deciding whether to prescribe.
What if I have already run out?
Contact your usual prescriber or pharmacist promptly for individual advice. Have the medicine details and the time of your last dose handy, and describe any symptoms. Do not rely on an online booking to secure supply.
Do I need a new prescription if I still have repeats?
You may be able to use a repeat already included in your existing prescription. Ask your pharmacy to check it and explain whether it can be dispensed. Requesting a new prescription is a separate GP review.
What happens if the GP does not renew it?
Ask what to do about your ongoing treatment and what needs to happen next. The GP may recommend further information, monitoring or review by your usual prescriber or another service. Do not treat a declined request as advice to stop or change treatment yourself.