Prescription renewals
Can I renew an existing prescription online?
You can ask a HerDoc GP to review an existing prescription in a direct, real-time consultation. Previous use does not guarantee renewal; the GP may prescribe, seek more information or recommend another care pathway.
Can an existing prescription be renewed online?
Some renewal requests can be discussed through telehealth. The GP will review whether continuing the medicine is safe and appropriate now, based on your current health and the information available. A previous prescription is useful context but does not make another prescription automatic.
Prepare the current details
Have the label or previous prescription details available. Note the strength shown, how you currently take it, why it was prescribed, who last prescribed it, when it was last reviewed, how much you have left and whether the prescription or repeats have expired.
Also list all other medicines and supplements, allergies, side effects, new symptoms, pregnancy or breastfeeding if relevant, recent diagnoses or treatment, and monitoring results you already have. Do not change how you take the medicine while waiting for the appointment unless a treating professional or emergency service directs you.
What the GP may review
The GP may ask whether the medicine is helping, whether you are taking it as directed, whether you have missed doses, and whether anything has changed since the last prescription. They may consider side effects, possible interactions, monitoring, previous results, continuity of care and whether an examination or another practitioner is needed.
The information required varies. Having used a medicine for a long time does not remove the GP’s responsibility to reassess the request.
If monitoring or continuity is needed
Some renewal decisions need current measurements, tests, an examination, specialist input or access to previous records. The GP may direct you to your usual prescriber or an in-person appointment when fragmented care could create risk or when key information cannot be confirmed.
You can upload relevant records, results, photos or documents during intake. The GP can review your HerDoc record and external records already added to it, but do not assume that records held by another service have been transferred unless you or that service provided them to HerDoc.
If the GP renews the prescription
The GP will explain the decision and how the prescription will be provided. If an electronic prescription is issued, HerDoc can send the token by SMS or email for you to present or forward to a pharmacy.
The GP decides whether repeats are authorised. Prescription validity, early supply and pharmacy dispensing are also subject to the prescription, applicable rules and the pharmacist’s responsibilities.
If the GP does not renew it
The GP may explain that more information, monitoring, examination, usual-prescriber review, specialist care or another pathway is needed. A declined renewal does not mean it is safe to stop suddenly; ask what to do next and how promptly you need review.
If you are running low, seek review early rather than relying on a last-minute request. HerDoc cannot promise an appointment, prescription or pharmacy supply within a particular timeframe.
When routine telehealth may not fit
Some renewal requests have stricter legal or monitoring requirements and are generally better handled face to face. Any renewal may also need another setting if symptoms are severe, the diagnosis or history is unclear, monitoring is overdue or a physical examination is required.
Call 000 or seek urgent local care for severe, sudden, rapidly worsening or dangerous symptoms. A routine renewal appointment is not emergency care.
Join the HerDoc waitlist
HerDoc is preparing to launch. Join the waiting list for updates, but use your current prescriber or another available service if you need a renewal before launch.
Related pages
FAQs
Can I renew an existing prescription online?
You can discuss an existing prescription renewal with a HerDoc GP in a real-time consultation. The GP decides after assessment whether to prescribe, request more information or recommend another pathway.
Does having used the medicine before mean it will be renewed?
No. Previous use provides history, but the GP still needs to consider your current health, safety, monitoring and whether the medicine remains part of an appropriate plan. Renewal is not automatic.
Do I need my previous prescription or medicine packaging?
Having the label, packaging or previous prescription details can help you give accurate information. You can upload a relevant image or document during intake, and it will be added to your HerDoc file for the GP to review.
What medicine details should I prepare?
Prepare the name and strength on the label, how you take it, why you use it, who last prescribed it and when it was last reviewed. Also note how much remains, whether repeats are left and any changes or concerns.
Will the GP ask about my current dose and how I take it?
They may ask you to describe the current directions and what you actually take. Do not alter the dose to match what you think is expected; accurate information helps the GP assess the request safely.
What if I have noticed side effects?
Tell the GP what happened, when it began, how severe it is and whether it is changing. Seek urgent help rather than waiting for a renewal consultation if the reaction is severe or rapidly worsening.
What health changes should I mention?
Mention new diagnoses, symptoms, treatment, allergies, pregnancy or breastfeeding, hospital care and changes to other medicines or supplements. Also share relevant monitoring or results and any change in how the medicine affects you.
Will I need recent blood tests or other monitoring?
Possibly. The need for monitoring depends on the medicine, your health, the previous plan and how current the available information is. The GP may recommend tests or another review before deciding.
What if I am nearly out of medicine?
Seek review as early as you can and tell the service how much remains, but do not assume a prescription can be issued by a deadline. If interruption may put you at risk, contact your usual prescriber, a pharmacist or an appropriate local health service for timely advice.
Can I request an early renewal?
You can explain why you are asking early, but an early request is not automatically approved. The GP may need to consider the prescription history, applicable monitoring and other safety or legal requirements.
What if I lost an electronic prescription token?
The national system allows an original token to be resent by the prescriber and a repeat token by the pharmacy that issued it. For help with an original HerDoc token, email [email protected]; for a repeat token, contact the pharmacy that issued it.
What if the prescription or repeats have expired?
An expired prescription or repeat cannot simply be treated as current. You can request a new assessment, but the GP will decide whether another prescription is safe and appropriate and may require monitoring or other care first.
Are all renewal requests handled through routine telehealth?
No. Requests with stricter legal, monitoring or continuity requirements are generally better handled face to face. The GP makes the final decision after assessment and may direct you to the practitioner or service responsible for your ongoing care.
What happens if the GP does not renew the prescription?
The GP may recommend more information, monitoring, an in-person review, your usual prescriber, a specialist or another service. Ask what you should do next and how promptly, because a declined renewal does not itself provide instructions for changing or stopping the medicine.
How will I receive the renewed prescription if it is issued?
If the GP issues an electronic prescription, HerDoc can send its token by SMS or email. If you cannot access it, email [email protected] for help.