Foreign Prescriptions in the UK & Forgotten Medication
For visitors to the UK
Away from home.
Help with your regular medicines.
Forgotten your medication or running low while travelling? Arrange a phone or video assessment with a UK pharmacist prescriber to discuss continuing your usual treatment.
Prescriptions are issued only when clinically appropriate. A prescription cannot be guaranteed.
Start your request
£25 for one item · £5 per additional item
Consultation and private prescription fee. Medicine costs are paid separately to the pharmacy.
Bookings are arranged by email. We will reply with availability and next steps.
Three steps to your assessment
01
Send your request
Tell us which medicine you need and how much you have left.
02
Speak with a prescriber
Discuss your treatment and medical history by phone or video.
03
Arrange collection
If a prescription is issued, the pharmacy will confirm acceptance, stock and medicine costs.
What to have ready
Please have at least one form of evidence of your usual treatment:
- A medicine box or label showing your name and dose
- Medical or medication records showing ongoing use
- Your prescription from abroad (a photo is fine)
Also have your usual dose, allergies, relevant medical history, contact details and full UK accommodation address ready. A hotel or Airbnb address is fine.
What this service offers
- Up to 30 days’ supply, where safe and appropriate
- Advice on continuing your regular treatment in the UK
- Guidance on next steps if this service is unsuitable
No controlled or high-risk medicines are prescribed through this online service.
Medicines are dispensed separately by a pharmacy.
Foreign prescription FAQs — read more
Can a UK pharmacy fill a foreign prescription?
It depends on where it was issued, who prescribed it and the medicine. Eligible prescriptions from the European Economic Area (EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) or Switzerland may be dispensed privately in the UK after the pharmacist completes the required checks. Schedule 1–3 controlled drugs and unlicensed specials cannot be supplied under these arrangements.
Prescriptions from countries outside this recognised group cannot be dispensed directly under these rules. A UK clinical assessment may be needed. See the government guidance on overseas prescriptions.
What if my foreign prescription is not accepted?
MyPharmacyServices offers a phone or video consultation with a UK pharmacist independent prescriber. We review your existing treatment and assess whether a new UK private prescription is appropriate. We do not simply convert or translate foreign prescriptions, and a prescription is not guaranteed. Medicines are dispensed separately by a pharmacy.
Can I use a US, Indian or Australian prescription in the UK?
These countries are outside the recognised EEA/Swiss arrangements. Bring your prescription and treatment records to support an assessment, rather than expecting a pharmacy to dispense directly against the overseas prescription.
Does translating my prescription make it valid?
No. Translation alone does not change whether a prescription is legally recognised. The pharmacist or prescriber must also be able to understand and verify the information for safe care.
Will every pharmacy have my medicine?
Availability, brand names and stock can differ. The dispensing pharmacy must confirm it can accept the prescription and supply the medicine. Ask about the medicine price before collection; it is separate from our consultation and prescription fee.
Need an emergency supply of medication?
A community pharmacist may be able to assess you for an emergency supply without a new prescription, subject to legal and clinical requirements. Read the NHS advice on emergency prescriptions. This clinic is not an emergency service. If you feel unwell or cannot safely wait, seek urgent medical advice; call 999 for a medical emergency.
For medicine questions, explore our online pharmacist prescriber consultations. Learn about your pharmacist prescriber or read our consultation FAQs.
