Your neighborhood pharmacy's 10 themes - theme 3: automatic repeat service

Why automatic repeat service is important to you

Do you use the same medication for a long time? Then you don't want to discover at the last minute that your box is almost empty. This can happen with medication for a chronic condition, but also for example with the contraceptive pill, insulin or diabetes medication.

With our automatic repeat service you do not have to request a repeat prescription every time. We keep an eye on when your medication is running low. We will notify you when your medication is ready, for example at the counter, in the automat or for delivery, if that is possible at your pharmacy. And you keep the familiar contact with your local pharmacy.

What we as a pharmacy do for you

With the automatic repeat service, we help you in a practical way:

• We make sure that your regular medicines are prepared on time.
• We request the repeat prescription from your doctor, if necessary.
• We let you know when your medication is ready.
• We check that the dosage and usage make sense.
• We adjust the supply if anything changes, such as if your dosage changes or if you stop taking a medicine.

The service is free. Not all medications can be repeated automatically. For example, some medications, such as opiates, may not be allowed through this service. If that applies to you, we'll discuss this with you.

Cooperation with your family doctor and other care

Our pharmacy works closely with family doctors and other health care providers in the area. This is important, because your GP knows your health and we know your medication use. You know us, and we are easy to reach if you have questions.

Does your dosage change? Did you run out of medicine too soon? Or do you have just enough left? Let us know. Then together we will look at what is needed. Sometimes we coordinate this with your GP.

Medication & resources

Without prescription: self-care

The automatic repeat service is mainly intended for prescription medicines. However, you can also contact us with questions about self-care medicines. Think of remedies for pain, hay fever, upset stomach or dry skin.

Do you use self-care medicines often or together with prescription medicines? If so, ask us for advice. Some products do not go well with certain medicines or conditions.

With prescription: doctor's prescription

The repeat service may be suitable for fixed medicines that you use in the same quantity for a longer period of time. Think of medicines for high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma or COPD, or the birth control pill. Insulin and diabetes materials can also often be arranged.

We usually cannot add a new medication immediately. This can often be done from the second time, if the medication was previously prescribed by the GP.

Contact us or the GP if you get complaints, notice side effects, are unsure about the dosage, medications run out too early or if you want to stop.

Also arrange online

You can sign up online for the automatic repeat service through our pharmacy website. Go to repeat medication and choose automatic repeat. There you can also check if your primary care physician is connected.

Also online, you stay connected to your trusted pharmacy nearby. You can repeat, ask questions and see when your medications are ready. If delivery is possible, we are happy to discuss this with you.

Reliable info

Do you want to know more about safe medication use and repeat medication? Use reliable information and ask us for advice if you're in doubt.

Read more at Thuisarts.nl: using medicines properly
Read more at Apotheek.nl: using medicines and repeat prescriptions

Questions?

Please feel free to ask. We're happy to help.

This is theme 3 of our monthly series
Each month we highlight a recognizable theme, such as medication safety, chronic care, elderly care and collaboration with the family doctor.
So you'll know more and more about what your neighborhood pharmacy can do for you.