Regular Medication
If you take regular medication, make sure you order what you need, to cover holiday periods and weekends. Remember to collect any repeat prescription you have ordered before the holidays, and make sure you don't run out.
GP surgeries are closed for four days at Christmas and four days at New Year. So if you need prescription(s) remember to order and collect them in time.
If you have queries about medication (prescribed, purchased or herbal) the pharmacist can answer them either in the pharmacy or over the telephone. You may want to know, for example; can you take paracetamol with your prescribed medication? Can you have a glass of wine with your medicine?
What should you do if you have missed a dose of your medication?
Remember to take your medication with you if you are travelling, and remember that, if you do forget it, you can get help and advice from any pharmacist in Scotland. In certain circumstances a prescription is not always necessary and a pharmacist can help to arrange a supply of your repeat medication if needed.
Remember to check when your pharmacy is open over the festive period especially if the pharmacy dispenses your medication in a compliance aid (medication tray) or supplies your medicine to you on specific days.
The pharmacy will have a private area where you can discuss sensitive issues. Most pharmacies provide Emergency Hormonal Contraception (morning after pill) where appropriate, free of charge.
Note: If you do run out of your regular medication, and your GP surgery is closed, a pharmacist can provide advice and help to arrange a supply of your repeat medication if needed.
Note: Pharmacy telephone numbers are printed on any labelled medicine you have. You can also visit www.nhs24.com or call NHS inform on 0800 22 44 88 to find the telephone number and opening times of the pharmacy nearest to you, including those open over the Christmas and New Year holidays. Textphone users dial 18001 0800 22 44 88.