21/01/2026
New 12 Month Prescription Guidelines
* From 1 February 2026, nationwide changes to prescription rules mean that GP’s will be able to issue some patients with a prescription for 12 months.
* At Carlyle Medical Centre, your health, and safety around the medications you are prescribed, are always our top priority and for many people, a 3 month or 6 month prescription will remain the safest option. Your GP will decide whether to extend your prescription length or not.
* We want to ensure that all our patients are well informed ahead of time so that there are no surprises.
From 1 February
* 3 monthly prescriptions will be available (requested either during a GP consult, MMH or via telephone)
* If you think you may be eligible for an extended prescription, an in-person Medication Review will be required so that your GP can confirm whether a longer prescription is appropriate for you. Not everyone will be eligible for a longer prescription
* You cannot request a 12 month prescription via MMH, phone or during a standard GP consult
* Prior to a Medication Review appointment, your regular prescription will remain on the regular 3 monthly prescribing
What Is Involved In A Medication Review?
* The College of GP’s (RNZCGP) recommend an annual in-person Medication Review. These reviews will be required to check your medicine is working, that you are not having any side effects and to review your investigations and notes
* A dedicated Medication Review will take up to 15 minutes and does not allow time for assessment and treatment of other issues
Please let us know if you would like any further help with this. We appreciate your patience as we implement these Governmental changes
Ngā mihi
Carlyle Medical Centre Teamenc