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Online Repeat Prescriptions and Bridging Scripts in Ireland

Get emergency bridging scripts and repeat chronic prescriptions online from Irish-registered GPs. Sent directly to your local pharmacy via Healthmail.

Patient at home in Ireland discussing Online Repeat Prescriptions and Bridging Scripts in Ireland during a secure online GP consultation
Written and clinically reviewed by Dr Waqar Syed, General Practitioner, Irish Medical Council reg. 4158825 min read

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You can obtain a repeat chronic prescription or an emergency bridging script online in Ireland through NOVAGP.IE's secure GP video or phone consultations. Our Irish-registered GPs assess your medical history and send valid prescriptions directly to any Irish pharmacy via Healthmail.

This service helps patients avoid gaps in their essential long-term medical care.

What is an online bridging script?

A bridging script is a short-term prescription issued to cover a temporary gap in your medication. This occurs when you cannot access your regular GP for a routine renewal before your current supply runs out.

The service is designed to maintain continuity of care for stable, long-term health conditions. It prevents dangerous interruptions in daily medication regimes.

Our Irish-registered GPs evaluate your clinical need during a video or phone consultation. If deemed safe and appropriate, they will issue a temporary supply of your medication.

How does the online repeat prescription service work in Ireland?

The process is fully digital and integrates with the Irish healthcare system.

  1. Book an online consultation: Select a video or phone consultation time that suits you.
  2. Consult with an Irish GP: Speak with an Irish Medical Council-registered GP to discuss your medical history.
  3. Provide medication details: Share details of your previous prescriptions or current treatment plan.
  4. Direct pharmacy delivery: The GP transmits your prescription securely via Healthmail to your chosen pharmacy.

This service is available seven days a week. You do not need to download an application to access your consultation.

Who is eligible for a bridging or repeat prescription online?

Patients residing in Ireland who require renewals for stable, long-term conditions are eligible. This includes medication for conditions such as asthma, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and thyroid disorders.

You must be physically located in Ireland at the time of your consultation. You will need to provide evidence of your previous prescription, such as a pharmacy dispensing label or a letter from your primary care doctor.

Certain medications are not eligible for online prescribing. GPs will not prescribe controlled drugs, sedatives, or high-risk medications that require physical monitoring or regular blood tests during an online consultation.

How are prescriptions sent to Irish pharmacies?

Prescriptions are sent electronically using Healthmail, which is the secure clinical email network managed by the HSE. This network connects registered GPs directly to pharmacies throughout Ireland, including locations in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, and rural areas.

Paper prescriptions are no longer required to be handed over by the patient. Your local pharmacist receives the prescription directly from our clinical team.

This secure electronic transfer complies with Irish data protection laws and GDPR requirements. It ensures your private medical data remains secure.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a bridging script for controlled drugs online?

No, Irish-registered GPs cannot issue online repeat or bridging prescriptions for controlled drugs, sleeping tablets, or high-risk medications. These medications require close, in-person clinical monitoring by your primary care doctor. You must visit your regular local GP clinic in Ireland to renew these specific items safely.

Do I need a Medical Card to use this online prescription service?

You do not need a medical card to book a consultation at NOVAGP.IE, as we operate on a fixed-fee basis for all patients. While we can send your prescription via Healthmail, medical card holders should note that public GMS billing rules apply at their local pharmacy.

How long does it take for the pharmacy to receive my prescription?

Once your consultation with our Irish GP is complete, the prescription is transmitted immediately to your chosen pharmacy via secure Healthmail. Most pharmacies in Ireland, whether in Dublin, Cork, or rural areas, can dispense the medication within a few hours of receiving the electronic order.

What information do I need to provide for a chronic repeat prescription?

You must provide details of your current medication, including the exact dosage, strength, and how often you take it. Sharing a photo of your previous prescription label or a recent hospital discharge summary helps our GP verify your treatment history and ensure safe prescribing during your consultation.

Can an online GP issue a prescription for contraception or HRT?

Yes, our Irish-registered GPs can review and prescribe contraceptive pills and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) during an online consultation. The GP will evaluate your medical history, blood pressure, and any potential risk factors to ensure it is safe to issue or renew your prescription.

What happens if the GP decides it is unsafe to prescribe my medication?

Patient safety is our primary clinical concern. If our GP determines during your video or phone consultation that your condition requires an in-person physical assessment or blood tests, they will advise you to visit a local clinic or hospital and will not issue the prescription online.

Need to renew your prescription?

Book a secure video or phone consultation with a registered GP at NOVAGP.IE today. We operate seven days a week with no weekend or after-hours surcharges. Your prescription will be sent directly to your chosen Irish pharmacy via Healthmail.

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This article is general health information for people in Ireland and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. If you have an urgent or severe symptom, contact your GP, an out-of-hours service, or call 112 or 999.

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