From 1 February 2026, GPs/NPs will be able to issue some patients with a prescription for up to 12 months if it is clinically safe to do so, instead of the current 3 months. The decision to extend your prescription length, or not, belongs with the prescribing clinician based on the factors below. Talk to your GP/NP at your next appointment who can help you to understand what these changes mean for you.
You may be eligible if:
- Your condition and medication dose have been stable for at least 6 months
- You don’t need regular monitoring (like blood tests or blood pressure checks)
- The medicine is approved for 12-month prescribing
- You agree to a yearly in-person review to check the medicine is still suitable
Some prescriptions won’t be eligible for the 12-month option, including:
- Controlled medicines (eg opioids, stimulants) or medicines taken only as needed
- Conditions or medications that require monitoring within 12 months
- If your condition or medication dose has changed in the past 6 months
If you move to 12-month prescribing, you will still need to collect medicines in 3-month instalments from the same pharmacy, and be required to pay any co-payment fees. You won’t be able to collect 12-months’ worth of your medication at once. If you run out of your medicine before the 12 months is up, or have trouble with supply or dosage, contact your GP or pharmacy right away to make sure you have what you need safely.
If you are only required to see your GP/NP every 12 months for your prescription, at this medication review it won’t be possible to cover other issues. If you have other matters to discuss a separate appointment will be needed.
