Some prescriptions may be valid for up to 12 months
From early 2026
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
What’s excluded?
- Controlled medicines such as opioids and 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
What’s not changing?
You will still only collect up to three months of medication at a time at the pharmacy, with further repeats available. You will not collect 12 months of medication at once.
Safe prescription decisions
The final decision about whether a 12-month prescription is safe and appropriate is the responsibility of the prescribing clinician. The change in prescribing rules also means prescriptions could be extended for a different time period, which may be a safer option than 12 months for some people.
Need help or have questions?
Talk to our receptionists or ask your doctor at your next appointment.
