Understanding your prescription
What the parts of a prescription mean, why a pharmacist must review it, and how long a script stays valid.
Last reviewed 2026-10-01 · 4 min read
Key takeaways
- A prescription is reviewed by a licensed pharmacist before anything is dispensed.
- The dispensing pharmacy remains the seller of record for every medicine.
- Scripts have a validity window — after it, a new one is needed.
The parts of a prescription
Every prescription carries the same few pieces of information: who the medicine is for, which medicine and strength is being requested, how it should be taken, and who has signed it.
If any of those pieces is missing, a pharmacist cannot legally dispense against the script. This is why a clear photo taken straight on — not at an angle, with all four corners visible — saves a second trip.
- Patient name and date of birth
- Medicine name and strength
- Dosing instructions and duration
- Prescriber name, BHPC number and signature
Why a pharmacist reviews it
A pharmacist checks that the medicine, the dose and the duration are clinically appropriate, that nothing on the script interacts badly with what you already take, and that the prescriber is registered to prescribe it.
This review is not a formality. It is the safety step that sits between a prescription and a dispensed medicine, and it is why prescription items cannot be handed over before it is complete.
How long a script stays valid
Most chronic medicines can be repeated for a limited period, then need a fresh consultation so the treatment can be reviewed. The window depends on the medicine and on the prescriber, so always check the date on the script itself.
If a script has expired, upload a new one and the review starts again. Repeat prescriptions for chronic conditions can also be set up on auto-refill, which still requires a pharmacist to approve each repeat.
What to do if something is wrong
If the name, the medicine or the instructions on the script do not match what you expected, stop and contact the pharmacy before taking anything.
For anything urgent, do not wait for a review — go to the nearest clinic or hospital. PrimeMeds is not an emergency service.