Are twelve-month prescriptions safe and appropriate for you?
From 1 February 2026, prescribers will have the option to write a prescription for up to twelve months supply of some medications.
At the moment, the maximum is three months (except for oral contraceptive pills, which can be prescribed for up to 6 months).
Some medicines will remain limited to a one-month supply.
It is likely that only a small number of medicines - and patients - will be eligible for a twelve-month prescription. Your prescriber will make this decision using their clinical judgement, with your safety as the top priority. If you’re interested in whether this might be an option for you, please feel free to talk with your doctor, nurse prescriber, or pharmacist prescriber.
Some important things to note should you receive a twelve-month prescription:
- The pharmacy can supply up to three months at a time (or less, depending on the medicine), followed by repeats.
- You will pay the Government dispensing fee only for the first supply. Any part-charges or packaging fees (such as blister packing) will still apply at each repeat.
- All repeats must be collected from the same pharmacy. If you need to use a different pharmacy, you’ll need a new prescription, and the first dispensing fee will apply again.
- The twelve-month period begins on the date the prescription is written. For example, if you wait two months before collecting your first supply, you will only be able to receive the remaining ten months’ worth within that original prescription.
If one of your medicines is suitable for a twelve-month prescription but others are not, your prescriber may recommend sticking with the same collection frequency for all of them for safety and convenience. They will be happy to talk this through with you.
For many people, nothing will change—your current prescription schedule is already the safest approach for your health needs, especially if you require regular monitoring such as blood tests or blood pressure checks.
We are always happy to discuss your options at your next appointment. Your prescriber is responsible for ensuring your medicines are safe and appropriate, and we appreciate your partnership in making decisions that support your wellbeing. Together, we’ll choose the option that’s right for you.
A quick note about regular prescription requests:
We aim to process all requests within two working days. If you send a request on a Friday or over the weekend, it will be handled the next normal business day. If you need your prescription urgently (on the same day), please highlight this to us and also, please note, urgent requests have a higher fee.
As we approach the Christmas break, we’re expecting a higher number of prescription requests. To help us make sure everyone gets what they need, please request your medications before you’re close to running out. And if your next supply isn’t due until January, if possible, please wait until then to submit your request.
Thank you so much for your understanding—we’re here to help and want to make the process as smooth as possible for you.
