Top 5 Prescription Apps in the UK: Simplifying Medication Management for GPs and Patients

Managing prescriptions can feel like an uphill battle—especially for busy GPs. Imagine standing in front of a long line of patients, each requiring timely medication, and realising you can simplify this chaos with just one app. The prescription apps allow you to prescribe, order, track, and even consult with a pharmacist—all from your phone. They serve well both practitioners and patients.

But with so many options available, it can be hard to know which one will work best for you.

In this article, we’ll review five popular prescription NHS apps in England and the UK: Medesk, Weldricks, Pharmacy2U, Healthera, and Hey Pharmacist.

Are you a GP struggling to keep track of multiple prescriptions? Discover how these apps can streamline your workflow. Or maybe you’re a patient looking for a simple solution to order medication via Royal Mail? We’ll break down the pros and cons of each, helping you make an informed decision.

How to Evaluate a NHS Repeat Prescription App

Let us guess: as a healthcare professional, you are typically busy, rely heavily on accuracy, and need apps that integrate seamlessly into your workflows. If we are right, consider these key factors when selecting the right prescription app and answer the questions when evaluating them:

• How simple is the app to navigate?
• Does it offer reminders, order tracking, and pharmacist consultation?
• Does it provide correct drug dosages, interactions, and guidelines according to the latest evidence and national regulations like NICE guidelines and NHS?
• Does it integrate with electronic health records systems to avoid duplicating effort or losing information when switching between platforms?
• Has it got British National Formulary (BNF) and NICE guidelines?
• Does it comply with the UK’s GDPR and NHS data security standards?
• How much does it cost?

A right app helps you in various ways. First of all, it saves you from potential prescription errors that can range from incorrect dosages, drug interactions, or inappropriate prescriptions for a patient's condition. Even minor errors can lead to significant health risks, including adverse drug reactions (ADRs), hospitalisations, or even fatalities.

Between April 2022 and March 2023, 275 prescribing errors were documented at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital in England alone. A child with epilepsy died.

Second, when using paper prescriptions, there’s the risk of illegible handwriting, missing patient details, or mistakes in transcription. With an app, the possibility to make such a mistake tends to zero.

Third, prescription software typically includes personalised medicine features, which adjust dosages based on factors like age, weight, renal function, and other patient-specific data. Thus, it enhances patient safety.

Of course, some of these aspects may not be your first concern. But this is a package that covers not only the basic functionality of e-prescribing but the whole care-giving process that you can receive with a $30-dollar subscription. Let’s show the top 5 picks of how to save money and get whatever prescription software function you need.

Medesk Practice Management Software for Busy Healthcare Professionals

Imagine you’re a GP or a busy healthcare practitioner managing dozens of patient prescriptions daily. Keeping track of who needs what and when can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re doing it manually. This is where Medesk shines.

Medesk isn’t just a prescription app—it’s a full-blown practice management tool that allows you to track patient appointments, review medical histories, and handle prescriptions, all on one platform. This app is ideal for health professionals or clinics that need more than just a prescription delivery.

For example, let’s say you’re managing a patient with chronic conditions requiring multiple medications. Medesk’s NHS website integration allows you to link directly with the patient's GP, ensuring that prescriptions are automatically updated and available for repeat ordering. A NICE BNF handbook can be inserted into any form of medical note for a quicker process.

If you’re a busy GP, you might find that Medesk not only handles prescriptions but also streamlines patient management. Medesk's analytics feature can give you insights into prescription histories, helping you spot any trends or missed doses that might be affecting patients’ health.

The analytics available go far beyond recipes. You'll be able to assess your revenue levels, monitor your stock and replenish consumables on time, study patient acquisition channels, and influence clinic or office traffic with reports.

From a user experience standpoint, Medesk can feel a bit overwhelming at first due to its comprehensive nature. It's packed with features that go beyond just prescription management, so if you're a healthcare professional looking for a powerful tool to manage patient care, this could be a game-changer. However, if you’re a regular patient who just wants to order prescriptions easily, Medesk might feel like too much.

If you’re looking for an app that does more than manage prescriptions, Medesk might be the one for you. This app connects directly with NHS GP practices, allowing users to track their medical records, request repeat prescriptions, and manage patient consultations.

It’s Telemedicine module allows you to connect to your patients and discuss their treatment processes and drug histories in a remote format. Download the Medesk Meet app on Google Play or App Store.

Ideal for: health professionals or patients who want to manage both their prescriptions and health data in a more comprehensive platform. Start using this solution today to reclaim your valuable time and enhance patient care.

Medesk is a subscription-based software that provides 3 plans. The price starts at $36 per month per 3 users and 50 appointments. You can enjoy its advantages with a 15-day free trial.

Weldricks: An App for Patients Who Prioritise Simplicity and Speed

Weldricks: NHS Prescriptions is the app you want in the situation when you’re running low on your medication, but you’ve got a full day of work ahead and no time to stop by the pharmacy.

With Weldricks, simplicity is key. The app’s interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy for anyone, even those less tech-savvy, to order repeat prescriptions in a few taps. The app will send you reminders to take your medication on time and to reorder prescriptions.

One of its standout features is the next-day delivery option available in certain areas (not available on orders to Ireland and the offshore islands of England and Scotland). If you are one of those who can delay ordering medication to the last minute, we advise you to take a closer look at this app.

Beyond the convenience, Weldricks also offers in-app consultations with a pharmacist, ensuring you can get answers to any questions about your medication without having to visit the pharmacy. It’s this combination of speed and simplicity that makes Weldricks ideal for users who need quick solutions without the hassle of leaving their homes.

One downside is that next-day delivery is only available in select regions, which means if you live outside these areas, you’ll have to wait a day or two for your medications. However, for those lucky enough to be within the delivery zone, it’s hard to beat the convenience Weldricks offers.

For those who prioritise simplicity and speed, Weldricks: NHS Prescriptions is a top choice. Weldricks is a well-known high-street pharmacy that has integrated its prescription services into an easy-to-use app.

To start using the app, download it (App Store, Google Play), enter, or create your NHS login. Your medicines available to order will automatically appear in your app from your GP record.

Ideal for those who want fast, no-frills prescription management, especially if you live within a Weldricks delivery area.

The app is free.

Choose Pharmacy2U if You Live far from a Pharmacy

If your patients live in a rural area, far from their local pharmacy, Pharmacy2U could be a solution to recommend them. Unlike some apps that offer limited delivery coverage, Pharmacy2U delivers nationwide, making it accessible no matter where you live in the UK.

Pharmacy2U works directly with the NHS, which means patients can order prescriptions straight from the GP surgery without needing to send in a paper slip or make a phone call.

For example, if a person regularly requires asthma inhalers, Pharmacy2U can automatically handle his repeat medications, delivering them directly to his door. He’ll also get reminders when it’s time to reorder, reducing the risk of running out.

Unlike Weldricks, Pharmacy2U covers the entire UK, though delivery takes longer: it takes between three and five days to get medication. If you are living in a busy city, this might feel a bit slow. But for those in remote areas where pharmacy visits are a challenge, this app is a wise choice.

The user experience is smooth, although some users have reported occasional glitches in the app’s interface. However, the overall convenience of managing your prescriptions without having to visit a pharmacy makes it a popular choice for many.

Download at:

• App Store
• Google Play

Ideal for: users who need prescription services across the UK, particularly those who don’t need immediate delivery.

Healthera NHS Pharmacy: For Those Loving Personalisation

Healthera partners with local pharmacies, providing flexibility in how you receive your prescriptions: you want them delivered to your home or prefer picking them up from your neighbourhood pharmacy.

This is how the app works. Healthera connects directly to NHS services, allowing you to order your prescriptions through the app, set up reminders for when your next dose is due, and even track your online order’s progress in real time.

You can choose the time of delivery and its options. If you’re out running errands, you can simply pick up your prescription at a nearby pharmacy. But if you’re busy or under the weather, you can choose to have it delivered to your door. Delivery times depend on the specific pharmacy, ranging from 1 to 3 days.

You can also book a service via the app like blood pressure checks, flu jabs, and more. “Speak to a pharmacist“ options allow you to get a consultation with a professional when you don’t need to wait for a GP appointment but need simple medication advice. This function is not as extensive as on the Medesk platform, but will suffice when a patient has minor problems.

Healthera’s interface is easy to navigate, but it lacks some of the more advanced features seen in other apps, such as Medesk’s analytics. However, its flexibility and user-friendly design make it a great option for those who want a simpler but effective way to manage their prescriptions.

Ideal for: Users who prefer personalised features and flexibility with local pharmacy options (App Store, Google Play).

The Easiest to Use Hey Pharmacist App

Hey Pharmacist is one of the easiest prescription apps to use if you are a patient. With Hey Pharmacist, you can request a repeat prescription directly from your GP and have it sent to your holiday destination or home within one to two days. If you aren’t particularly tech-savvy but still want a reliable, fast solution for managing prescriptions, take a closer look.

In terms of user experience, Hey Pharmacist’s interface is clean, intuitive, and straightforward. Even if you’ve never used a prescription app before, you’ll find it easy to navigate. For example, you can quickly see which stage your prescription is at—whether it's been approved by your GP, dispensed, or out for delivery.

One of the main advantages of Hey Pharmacist is its fast delivery, often arriving within one to two days. This is particularly useful if you realise you’re running low on medication at the last minute. You also have the option to collect your prescription from a local pharmacy if you need it even faster.

This is how the system works:

• You register with your NHS login.
• Place an order.
• GP approves it.
• The order is sent to the online pharmacy.
• You get your medications from over 4000 pharmacies.

However, if you’re looking for more advanced features, such as health tracking or detailed analytics, Hey Pharmacist might feel a bit basic. It’s limited to prescription services; there are no health tracking or other advanced features like in Weldricks or Medesk. But if simplicity and speed are your priorities, this app is hard to beat.

Link to download the app:

• For iPhone/iPad
• For Android

Ideal for: Those who want a simple, no-fuss prescription app with fast delivery options.

Which Prescription App is Best for You?

Choosing the right prescription app ultimately depends on your needs and lifestyle. If you’re a healthcare professional seeking not only e-prescribing options but a multifunctional tool to manage patient records, analytics, revenue, and treatment notes, Medesk offers a powerful practice management set of features at an affordable price.

On the other hand, if your only priority is fast medication delivery and a user-friendly experience, Weldricks and Hey Pharmacist are excellent choices, especially for those in urban areas or with busy schedules.

For nationwide coverage and reliable service, Pharmacy2U is your go-to app, particularly if you live in a more rural part of the UK. And if you’re someone who values personalisation and local pharmacy integration, Healthera gives you flexibility and control over how you manage your prescriptions.

If you’re still not sure, why not try a couple of these apps to see which one feels right for you? All of them are free to download and use, so there’s no harm in experimenting to find your perfect fit.

With a Medesk free trial, you get an automation platform where you can track your patients’ medical histories, control medications, receive payments, fill out pre-made treatment notes, and analyse your performance. Our customers note the security of the platform, a lot of shortcuts to automate the work, high level of customisation for personal needs of the specialist, and 24/7 support service.

Our clients include not only therapists but also mental health specialists, surgeons, paediatricians, physiotherapists, massage therapists, ophthalmologists, etc.—more than 10,000 specialists in total.

Why wait? Sign up today and check out our ready-made onboarding plan tailored to your needs and specialities. Grab your 15-day free trial and join thousands of healthcare professionals who’ve improved their prescription management with Medesk.