Review pending. This page summarises guidance from the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI), the HSE and Citizens Information and has not yet been reviewed by a doctor. It is not medical advice. If someone’s life is at risk, call 112 or 999.
At the pharmacy: emergency supply
The pharmacist must talk to you and be satisfied that all four of these are true:
- You need the medicine now.
- You cannot get the prescription without undue delay.
- It has been prescribed for you before.
- They can safely set the dose for you.
- No more than 5 days’ supply, or the nearest smallest pack. Exceptions: the smallest size of an asthma inhaler, cream or ointment; a full cycle of the contraceptive pill; the smallest complete course of a liquid antibiotic.
- The label says “Emergency Supply”, and the pharmacy records why it was made.
- It is for genuine emergencies, not a regular way to get your medicine.
- Whether the pharmacy charges for it, and whether a medical card or the Drugs Payment Scheme covers it: UNKNOWN, not stated at the sources we read. Ask the pharmacy.
Source: PSI: advice on emergency supply (updated March 2024), checked 29 October 2026.
If your doctor asks the pharmacy
A doctor, dentist or nurse prescriber can ask a pharmacist to supply a medicine before the prescription arrives.
- The prescriber must be unable, because of an emergency, to give the prescription straight away.
- They must undertake to send the prescription within 72 hours.
- The pharmacist supplies it as the prescriber directs.
Source: PSI: advice on emergency supply (updated March 2024), checked 29 October 2026.
Controlled drugs
Pharmacists may not give emergency supplies of controlled drugs in schedules 2, 3 or 4 unless further conditions are met.
- In the pharmacist’s opinion there is an immediate need, the supply is safe, appropriate and necessary for your continued treatment, and a prescription cannot be got without undue delay.
- It was prescribed for you before, and no more than 5 days’ treatment is given.
- You have not already had an emergency supply of it, on your own request, since your last prescription.
- Some medicines for epilepsy are an exception: ask the pharmacist.
Source: PSI: advice on emergency supply (updated March 2024), checked 29 October 2026.
If the pharmacist can’t help
If your GP surgery is closed and you urgently need a GP, phone the GP out-of-hours service. The PSI reminds pharmacists that doctor-on-call services run nationwide and that they may refer you to one.
- Phone first: appointment only, no walk-in. A triage nurse phones you back.
- The HSE says out-of-hours GPs are not for routine care such as repeat prescriptions. If it can wait, contact your own GP when they open.
- Free with a medical card or GP visit card; otherwise a fee.
Source: HSE: when to go to a GP out of hours, checked 29 October 2026. HSE page last reviewed 27 September 2024.
Before it runs out next time
- Since 1 March 2024, a prescription can be valid for up to 12 months.
- A pharmacist may extend a 6-month prescription for a further 6 months, if they think it is safe and appropriate. Never beyond 12 months in total, and not for certain medicines. It is not automatic: ask.
- After 12 months you need your doctor for a new prescription.
Source: Citizens Information: prescribed drugs and medicines (page edited 31 August 2026), checked 29 October 2026.
Questions
- Can a pharmacist give me my medicine without a prescription in an emergency?
- Yes, for certain prescription medicines. The pharmacist must talk to you and be satisfied that you need it now, that you cannot get a prescription without undue delay, that it was prescribed for you before, and that they can safely set the dose. PSI: advice on emergency supply (updated March 2024)
- How much can a pharmacist give as an emergency supply?
- No more than 5 days' supply, or the nearest smallest pack. The exceptions: the smallest size of an asthma inhaler, cream or ointment; a full cycle of the contraceptive pill; or the smallest complete course of a liquid antibiotic. PSI: advice on emergency supply (updated March 2024)
- Can I get a controlled drug as an emergency supply?
- Not usually. Pharmacists may not give emergency supplies of controlled drugs in schedules 2, 3 or 4 unless further conditions are met, including no more than 5 days' treatment and no earlier emergency supply since your last prescription. PSI: advice on emergency supply (updated March 2024)
- Will the out-of-hours GP give me a repeat prescription?
- Not as routine care. The HSE says out-of-hours GPs are not for routine care such as repeat prescriptions. It is for when your GP surgery is closed and you urgently need a GP. HSE: when to go to a GP out of hours