Prescription Tracking · AustraliaHow to Track Repeat Prescriptions
in Australia
Running out of a repeat prescription is stressful and avoidable. Here's a practical guide to tracking your PBS repeats so you're never caught without medication.
How repeat prescriptions work in Australia
When an Australian GP prescribes a medication, the prescription typically includes a set number of repeats, usually between 1 and 5 for most PBS medications. Each time you visit a pharmacy, they dispense one repeat and the count goes down.
When you've used all your repeats, the prescription is exhausted. You need to go back to your GP for a new script before you can get more medication. This is where most people get caught. They don't realise they're on their last repeat until they're already out of tablets.
With eScripts, the system is electronic and your pharmacy can see your repeat count. But there's no automatic alert to you, the patient, when you're running low.
Step-by-step: tracking repeat prescriptions
Know your starting repeat count
When your GP issues a prescription, ask how many repeats it includes, or check the eScript or paper script itself. The repeats are listed clearly on paper scripts. For eScripts, your pharmacist can tell you when you collect the first supply.
Decrement the count each time you fill
Every time you go to the pharmacy and fill a repeat, deduct one from your count. This sounds simple but it's easy to lose track, especially across multiple medications with different repeat counts. An app like MediRemind Scripts lets you update the count with one tap after each pharmacy visit.
Set a low-repeat alert
Don't wait until you're on the last repeat to act. Set a reminder when you have 1–2 repeats left. That gives you time to book a GP appointment and get a new script before you run out. GP appointments in Australia often take 1–2 weeks to get, so early action is essential.
Track both eScripts and paper scripts in one place
Many Australians have a mix, an eScript from a GP and a paper script from a specialist. Keep them in the same place so you always know the total picture. MediRemind Scripts handles both formats.
Keep track of expiry dates
PBS prescriptions are valid for 12 months from issue date. Any unused repeats lapse at that point. If you have a prescription with repeats remaining that was issued over 10 months ago, it's worth using them or asking your GP about it.
Common mistakes people make with repeat prescriptions
Assuming the pharmacy will warn them
Pharmacists are busy. They'll dispense what you bring in, but they won't proactively warn you when you're on your last repeat unless you ask.
Not knowing which medications have repeats left
Once you have more than 2–3 regular medications, it's easy to lose track of which ones have repeats remaining and which ones need a new script.
Leaving it too late to book a GP appointment
In many parts of Australia, getting a GP appointment takes 1–2 weeks. If you wait until you're out of medication, you'll face a gap in treatment.
Mixing up repeat counts for different family members
If you manage medications for a partner or parent as well as yourself, separate profiles are essential. Combined lists lead to errors.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I know how many repeats I have left on an eScript?
Ask your pharmacist, they can see the count when they scan your QR code. Or use an app like MediRemind Scripts that lets you record and track the count yourself after each fill.
Can I get an early repeat if I'm going on holiday?
Sometimes. For PBS medications, pharmacists can sometimes dispense an 'early supply' if you're travelling, at their discretion. For controlled drugs, this is much more restricted. Always call ahead and explain the situation.
What happens if I run out of repeats and can't get a GP appointment?
For non-urgent medications, your pharmacist may be able to provide a limited emergency supply to cover you while you arrange a GP visit. This varies by medication and pharmacist. For critical medications (e.g. blood pressure, diabetes), call your GP and explain it's urgent, most practices have a process for urgent script requests.
Do repeats expire?
Yes. PBS prescriptions are generally valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Any unused repeats on a prescription older than 12 months cannot be dispensed. You'll need a new script.
Is there an app that tracks repeat prescriptions in Australia?
Yes, MediRemind Scripts is an Australian app built specifically for this. You can log each medication, track the repeat count, and set alerts when repeats are running low. It works with eScripts and paper prescriptions.
Track all your repeats in one place
MediRemind Scripts is an Australian medication tracking app that handles repeat prescriptions across both eScripts and paper scripts. Enter any medication, log the number of repeats, and the app will alert you when you're running low.
Separate profiles for each family member. Individual repeat counts for each medication. Low-supply alerts so you're never caught out. Built in Perth, available across Australia. See our full feature list or pricing.
Never lose count of your repeats again, scan to get MediRemind
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