Original pack dispensing

From 1 January 2025, NHS community pharmacists and their teams can dispense up to 10% more or less than the quantity prescribed of eligible medicines on NHS prescriptions if it means the medicine can be dispensed in the manufacturer’s original packaging and if they follow the prescriber’s directions on the prescription.

The regulations on what types of prescriptions can be dispensed or reimbursed differ between England, Scotland and Wales. Please read our guidance or check Community Pharmacy England, Community Pharmacy Scotland and Community Pharmacy Wales for more information on what the new rules apply to.

Our guidance covers the changes, what the rules apply to, steps to use professional judgment and additional considerations.

The guidance can be found on the RCPharm website.