06/05/2026
Another small article trying to explain pharmacy laws and funding rules.
The rules with dispensing times:
1) A prescription for an item that is not a controlled drug or an oral contraceptive.
For these items, the initial supply amount and date dictate when the next dispensing can be done. Two-thirds of the initial supply by time must have passed (so 20 days for a month's supply, 2 months (60 days) for a 3-month supply). This includes single doses that are once a month, etc.
2) A prescription for an item such as tramadol, which requires a new prescription for each month. The doctor states how much is in the first dispensing, and two-thirds of the supply by time must have passed again, so 40 capsules with 2 repeats in 1 month can be done after 6 days if taking 4 capsules a day.
3) A controlled drug, such as morphine, has a limit of 10 days' supply at a time or less. Again, two-thirds of the time based on supply and dose must have passed.
4) An oral contraceptive can be dispensed in a 6-month supply (depending on brand restrictions). Otherwise, it follows the two-thirds rule.
5) A prescription for over 3 months; again, the two-thirds rule applies, so after 2 months of a three-month prescription, the next 3 months can be done.
But what if I am traveling?
1) Ritalin, etc., for ADHD cannot be done earlier under any circumstances (talk to your MP if you find this a form of discrimination).
2) The total supply on a prescription stated up to a maximum of a 3-month prescription can be given at one time if traveling (and unable to get repeats from the pharmacy with your prescription) in that time.
3) For periods over 3 months, firstly, it is illegal to take more than 3 months' supply out of New Zealand and into most other countries. But you can get an early supply of a repeat on a long prescription if done at a different time; however, it is not funded by the government (Pharmac).
Please note: exceptions to the above apply, such as dose changes, etc., and for early releases, you need to sign a legal declaration and/or have doctor's clearance (controlled drugs).
I hope this clarifies this topic somewhat.
This is also why we run a computer-generated (and sometimes person-based) reminder system when a repeat is available.
This system is a courtesy by pharmacies and costs them to send. The reply is free for you.