Emergency supply
If you’re working in a registered retail pharmacy, this guide will help you understand the requirements of emergency prescription-only medicines (POMs) supply at the request of a prescriber or patient, and dispels some misconceptions about emergency supplies.
Published: 26 September 2016
Updated: 28 August 2026
This guide supports pharmacists working in a registered pharmacy to understand the requirements for emergency supply of prescription-only medicines (POMs). It covers emergency supplies made under The Human Medicines Regulations 2012 (as amended) at the request of a prescriber or patient, addresses common misconceptions and signposts to NHS-funded emergency supply services.
Use this guide alongside your professional judgment, relevant legislation, professional standards, guidance, service specifications and local policies. Before making an emergency supply, ensure you are using the most appropriate mechanism for the patient’s circumstances.
Sections on this page
- Mechanisms for supplying medicines in an emergency
- Key considerations before making an emergency supply and when an emergency supply may not be appropriate
- Checklist – emergency supply at the request of a prescriber
- Checklist – emergency supply at the request of a patient
- If you decide not to make an emergency supply
- Misconceptions
- Relevant prescribers
- How to check a relevant prescriber’s registration
- Further information