1. Glossary
  2. Repeat prescription

Repeat prescription

A repeat prescription allows a patient to get a regular supply of their medication without needing to see a doctor each time. Once a doctor has assessed the ongoing need for a medication, they might authorize a repeat prescription for a set period. This approach is commonly used for long-term conditions, where patients require consistent medication to manage their health.

In Australia, repeat prescriptions help streamline the process of obtaining necessary medications. Instead of frequent doctor's visits, patients can conveniently refill their prescriptions at the pharmacy. This saves time for both patients and healthcare providers, ensuring that managing illnesses and chronic conditions is less burdensome.

Repeat prescriptions typically indicate how many times a patient can refill their medication before needing a new prescription from their doctor. It's a practice that relies on responsible medication use and close communication between patients and healthcare providers to ensure safety and efficacy.

Other glossary terms

ABG (arterial blood gas)

An ABG (arterial blood gas) test measures levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and acidity in the blood to assess lung and kidney function.

Absence from work

Absence from work is when an employee is not present during scheduled working hours due to various reasons like illness or personal commitments.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is a common medication used to relieve pain and reduce fever, often found in over-the-counter and prescription products.

Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to pimples and other lesions.

ACS (acute coronary syndrome)

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is a serious heart condition where blood flow to the heart is suddenly reduced, requiring immediate medical attention.

Acute (sudden onset or short duration)

"Acute" refers to a medical condition that appears suddenly and resolves over a short time.

Acyclovir

Acyclovir is a medication used to treat infections caused by certain viruses like herpes and shingles, reducing the severity and duration of symptoms.

Adalimumab

Adalimumab is a medication used to treat inflammatory conditions by reducing inflammation through targeting specific proteins in the body.

Addiction

Addiction is a compulsive engagement with substances or behaviors that negatively impact one's life.

Addison's disease

Addison's disease is a rare condition leading to insufficient hormone production by the adrenal glands, causing symptoms like fatigue and low blood pressure.

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)

ADHD is a common condition affecting attention, impulse control, and activity level, characterized by symptoms like distractibility, impulsivity, and restlessness.

ADL (activities of daily living)

ADL (activities of daily living) refers to essential daily self-care tasks, crucial for maintaining independence and well-being.

Adrenal gland

The adrenal glands are small, triangle-shaped organs on top of the kidneys that produce hormones essential for stress response, metabolism, and blood pressure regulation.

Adrenaline (epinephrine)

Adrenaline (epinephrine) is a hormone and medication that helps the body respond to stress and is used in medical emergencies, like severe allergic reactions.

Allergen

An allergen is a substance that can trigger an allergic reaction in certain people.

Allergies

Allergies are the immune system's overreaction to typically harmless substances such as pollen or certain foods, causing symptoms from sneezing to potential severe reactions.

Allergist

An allergist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats allergies and related immune system reactions.

Allergy

An allergy is an immune system response to a harmless substance, mistakenly identified as a threat.

ALP (alkaline phosphatase)

ALP (alkaline phosphatase) is an enzyme found in the body that helps in protein breakdown, with its levels indicating liver and bone health.

Alprazolam

Alprazolam is a medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorders by calming the brain through its effects on natural chemicals in the body.

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