At Crighton Pharmacy, we understand that health needs do not always follow a set path. Sometimes you may be given a private prescription instead of an NHS one, or you might choose to access treatments that are not available on the NHS. If you live in Leith or anywhere nearby in Edinburgh, our friendly team is here to help you understand how private prescriptions work, when you might need one, and how to get your medicine quickly and locally.
What is a Private Prescription?
Private prescriptions are written by a doctor, dentist, or other qualified prescriber but are not funded by the NHS. They can be used for medicines not available on the NHS or if you’ve seen a private clinician. Crighton Pharmacy can dispense private prescriptions, helping you access treatments quickly and locally.
When Might You Need a Private Prescription?
There are several reasons you might be given a private prescription. If you’ve had a private consultation, or if you need a medicine that is not offered on the NHS, your prescriber may issue a private prescription. Some travel medicines, specialist treatments and newer medicines are often supplied this way. Patients may also seek private prescriptions for convenience or to avoid waiting for an NHS appointment. This can be particularly helpful if you are planning travel and need vaccinations or malaria tablets at short notice, or if you are starting a weight management journey and want to access certain treatments promptly.
How to Bring Your Private Prescription to Crighton Pharmacy
Bringing a private prescription to us is straightforward. Simply bring your private prescription to our pharmacy counter—no appointment needed. We’ll check the prescription, discuss your medicine, and answer any questions you may have. Our team will provide clear information about costs and how long it will take to prepare your medicine. If you are unsure about anything, you can always ask us for advice. We are here to make the process as smooth and reassuring as possible.
Supporting Your Health Locally
We serve residents across Leith, Portobello, Musselburgh, Dalkeith, Newington, Stockbridge, Morningside, Canonmills, Broughton and the wider Edinburgh area. Our pharmacy is a convenient local point for private prescriptions, whether you have seen a private doctor in town or had a telehealth consultation.
Understanding the Costs of Private Prescriptions
Unlike the NHS, private prescriptions are not charged at a fixed rate. You pay the full cost of the medicine plus a dispensing fee. We’ll always let you know the price before you agree to go ahead. This means there are no surprises, and you can make an informed decision about your treatment. Some treatments, such as certain travel vaccines or weight management medicines, are only available privately. If you are planning a trip abroad and need travel vaccinations, you can find more information about our travel vaccination services here.
How Private Prescriptions Can Help You Get Treated Quickly
One of the main benefits of private prescriptions is that they can help you avoid long waits for NHS appointments, letting you start treatment sooner. Our pharmacy team can often dispense your medicine on the same day, depending on stock. Accessing care locally means less travel and more convenient support close to home. Whether it’s a course of antibiotics after a private dental visit or a new weight management injection, we aim to get you started as quickly as possible. If you are unsure what to expect, our team will keep you updated every step of the way.
Private Prescriptions for Travel and Specialist Treatments
Many travel health medicines, such as malaria tablets or certain vaccines, may need to be supplied on a private prescription. If you are travelling soon, speak to our team about what you need before you go. Our travel clinic provides advice, vaccinations and support for a wide range of destinations.
Weight Management and Private Prescriptions
Some weight management treatments, including newer medicines like Wegovy, Mounjaro, Saxenda, and Orlistat, are often supplied on private prescription. Our weight management service offers consultations, ongoing support, and helps patients understand the most suitable options based on their needs.
Linking Private Prescriptions to Other Pharmacy Services
Private prescriptions often go hand-in-hand with some of our specialist pharmacy services. Many private treatments—like weight management medicines, travel vaccinations or ear care—can be started through a private prescription. Our travel clinic and weight management service work closely with patients who have private prescriptions. If you need ear wax removal, some treatments or follow-up care might also involve a private prescription. For more on our ear clinic, visit our dedicated ear care page.
We are proud to offer a wide range of pharmacy services, including blood pressure checks, stop smoking support, sexual health advice, and women’s health services. You can always explore our full list of services online to see how we can support your health locally.
How Private Prescriptions Support Local Health
For our patients around Leith and across Edinburgh, having access to private prescriptions through a local pharmacy brings peace of mind. It means being able to get the right treatment at the right time, with clear guidance from a team you know and trust. Whether you are looking for a convenient way to manage your medicines, want to access the latest treatments, or simply need advice, Crighton Pharmacy is here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions about Private Prescriptions
- Can I use a private prescription from any UK doctor at Crighton Pharmacy?
Yes, we can dispense private prescriptions from any registered UK prescriber, as long as the prescription meets UK legal requirements. - How much will my private prescription cost?
The cost depends on the medicine and quantity prescribed, plus a dispensing fee. Our team will always confirm the price with you before dispensing. - Do I need an appointment to bring in my private prescription?
No appointment is needed. Just bring your prescription to the pharmacy and our team will help you. - What kinds of treatments are commonly supplied on private prescription?
Travel medicines, some weight management treatments, certain ear care products and medicines not available on the NHS are often supplied privately. - Can I get advice about my private prescription at Crighton Pharmacy?
Absolutely. Our pharmacists are always happy to explain your prescription, discuss how to take your medicine and answer any questions. - Where can I learn more about private prescriptions and UK regulations?
You can visit the NHS website for more information: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions-and-pharmacies/types-of-prescriptions/
Book an Appointment
Book an appointment online today: https://crightonpharmacy.co.uk/book-a-service/
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal medical advice.
