If you run out of medicines over a holiday or while you are away from home, there are a few ways to get an emergency supply.
If you need non-prescription medicines, such as paracetamol or cough mixture, you will be able find these at high street pharmacies, most supermarkets and other outlets.
With prescription medicines, a pharmacy, GP out-of-hours service or walk-in centre may be able to help.
Use our Service search to find pharmacies, GP surgeries and walk-in centres close to you.
Try a pharmacy
If you run out of prescription medicines, you may be able to get an emergency supply without a prescription from a community pharmacist or supermarket pharmacy.
Find a local pharmacy, including its opening hours.
You'll be interviewed by the pharmacist to find out:
- if you're usually prescribed the medication
- if there's a clear and immediate medical need
- if there's no other way to get a prescription
The pharmacist will also make sure that the dose you ask for is considered suitable.
A charge will be made for the medicines and the service. This may vary between pharmacies.
Walk-in centres and GPs
If a pharmacy can’t help, you may be able to get a prescription from a GP out-of-hours service. This is the service that your GP runs outside of their usual opening hours, and on public holidays.
This will depend on the type of medicine, and how essential it is.
If you're away from home, you may be able to have a consultation with a local GP and get a prescription for a limited supply of medicines.
If you’re given a prescription, you'll still need to find a pharmacy that's open.
You can also go to an NHS walk-in centre. They may be able to organise a GP consultation. In some cases, they can give you medicine after you’ve seen a nurse.
Some walk-in centres are open from early morning to late evening, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
You can find out about your GP out-of-hours service, and find walk-in centres close to you, by using our Service search.
