Summer in London is finally here. The parks are packed, the barbecues are out, and everyone’s got that “shall we just book a few days away?” mood. Whether you’re heading off somewhere sunny or just planning to switch off for a bit, there’s one thing that’s easy to forget when life gets busy: your repeat prescriptions.
It sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how many people realise the day before a flight that they’re running low on their regular medication. A quick check a week or two before you go can save a lot of stress later.
Your local pharmacy in Charlton can help you stay organised, even when your plans aren’t.
Why it matters
If you take regular medication, you’ll know how easy it is for time to slip by. You pick up your repeat one month, and suddenly the next collection is due right when you’re packing your suitcase. Nobody wants to spend their holiday worrying about finding a pharmacy abroad or trying to get an emergency prescription sorted.
Your medicines are prescribed for a reason, and taking a break from them, even accidentally, can cause your symptoms to come back or make you feel unwell. Planning ahead gives you peace of mind and keeps everything ticking over smoothly while you’re away.
How to stay on top of repeats
Here are a few easy ways to make sure you don’t get caught out before your trip:
1. Check your supply early
As soon as you start thinking about packing, check how much medication you’ve got left. If it’s less than two weeks’ worth, put in your repeat request straight away. It’s always better to have too much time than not enough.
2. Order your repeats online
Most GP practices now let you order prescriptions online, and your pharmacy can also help you set this up if you’re unsure how it works. Many pharmacies even have their own repeat prescription service, which means they’ll manage your requests and let you know when your medicine is ready to collect.
It’s quick, simple, and saves you standing in a queue or phoning around at the last minute.
3. Tell the pharmacy about your travel dates
If you’re going away for a longer period, let the team at the pharmacy know. They can make sure your prescription dates are adjusted so you don’t run out while you’re gone. In some cases, they can arrange an extra supply to cover your time away.
4. Set reminders
A simple reminder on your phone can be all it takes. Set one for the day you usually order your repeats, and another for when you’re due to collect them. It’s one less thing to remember in a month full of other plans.
Travelling with medication
Once you’ve got your repeat sorted, there are a few extra things to think about before you travel.
Keep it in your hand luggage
If you’re flying, always keep your medication in your hand luggage. Bags can go missing or get delayed, but your carry-on stays with you. Keep everything in its original packaging, with the label showing your name and dosage clearly.
Carry a copy of your prescription
If you’re taking controlled medication or injections, it’s a good idea to carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor. It just makes airport security a little easier if anyone asks.
Be aware of restrictions abroad
Some medicines that are perfectly fine in the UK are restricted or even banned in other countries. For example, certain painkillers, sleep aids, and stimulants may require special permission to bring in.
If you’re unsure, check the embassy website of the country you’re visiting before you go. It’s better to be safe than have your medication confiscated at customs.
Store it properly
Hot weather can affect how some medicines work. Try to keep them in a cool, dry place and out of direct sunlight. If your hotel room gets very warm, keep tablets in a shaded drawer rather than on a windowsill.
How your pharmacy can help
Your local pharmacy isn’t just there to hand over your medicines. The team can give you practical, friendly advice about how to manage your prescriptions, especially if you’re travelling or juggling several different medications.
Here’s what they can do for you:
- Manage repeat prescriptions: Many pharmacies can handle the process from start to finish, requesting your repeats from the GP and letting you know when they’re ready.
- Arrange early collections: If you’re going away, they can help you collect a bit earlier than usual so you don’t run out.
- Provide travel advice: Pharmacists can help you plan how to pack, store, and travel with medication safely.
- Offer medication reviews: If it’s been a while since your last review, they can check how you’re getting on with your current prescriptions and make sure everything still suits your needs.
It’s all part of what community pharmacies are there for, to make your health easy to manage even when life gets busy.
Last-minute emergencies
Sometimes, even the best planners forget something. If you’ve left your repeat too late and you’re due to run out soon, don’t panic. Speak to your pharmacist as soon as possible. In some cases, they can issue an emergency supply of your regular medicine without you needing to see a doctor first.
This usually depends on the type of medication and your previous prescription history, but the team will do their best to help you avoid missing any doses.
Just remember, it’s always easier to sort things a few days early rather than at the last minute.
Keeping things smooth all year round
Even when it’s not holiday season, staying on top of your repeats makes life easier. Pharmacies are designed to take the stress out of managing medication. You can sign up for repeat reminders, nominate your preferred pharmacy for electronic prescriptions, and even get text alerts when your items are ready.
Once it’s set up, you’ll never need to think twice about when to order again.
A few extra travel tips
Since you’re already thinking ahead, here are a few small things that can make your trip a little smoother too:
- Pack any medication in your hand luggage, with spares in your suitcase if you’re staying away for a while.
- Keep a list of your current medicines on your phone, just in case you need help abroad.
- If you use inhalers, insulin pens, or epi-pens, pack extra in case one gets lost or damaged.
- Always bring your repeat slip or a copy of your prescription, especially if you’re travelling through multiple countries.
- If you’re crossing time zones, ask your pharmacist how to adjust your medication schedule safely.
Supporting your local pharmacy
Community pharmacies are one of the most accessible healthcare services in the UK. You don’t need an appointment, and the advice you get is from trained professionals who know their patients and understand the local community.
At Village Pharmacy, the team takes pride in offering that personal touch, the sort of friendly service that makes it easy to ask questions or get a bit of help when you need it. Whether it’s sorting your repeats, giving travel advice, or helping you find the right over-the-counter product, you’ll always be looked after.
Planning a summer getaway?
If you’ve got a trip coming up, make a note to check your medication this week. It only takes a few minutes to order your repeats or pop into the pharmacy for a chat. That small bit of organisation now means you can switch off and enjoy your time away without any medication worries.
You can find out more about repeat prescription services and how to nominate the pharmacy on our website.
Stay safe, enjoy the sunshine, and remember, a quick visit before you go is one less thing to think about while you’re away.
