Getting repeat prescriptions
Going to the clinic after the medication runs out is already too late. Book in advance.
Prescription basics
- Prescriptions have a validity period. You must take it to a pharmacy within that time.
- For stable chronic conditions, several months can sometimes be prescribed at once. Discuss it with your doctor.
- Booking one to two weeks before your medication runs out is the safe approach.
At the consultation
- Bring the medication packet or a photo of it. You don't need to know the name.
- Say how many days of medication you have left.
- Book your next appointment before you leave.
- Take the prescription straight to a pharmacy.
If you plan a long trip or departure
- Tell your doctor in advance. They may be able to prescribe for the period.
- Carry medication in its original packaging with a copy of the prescription. It makes airport explanations easy.
- Some ingredients are banned in other countries. Check with the embassy.
Where to go
- The clinic or hospital you attend
- Your local pharmacy
- 1577-1000 National Health Insurance Service
- 1339 Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency
- 1577-1366 · 1345 interpretation
Questions people ask
My medication has run out and I can't get an appointment. You can be seen at another nearby clinic. Take the medication packet or a photo. With blood pressure and diabetes medication especially, not stopping matters.
Can't I buy it at a pharmacy without a prescription? Prescription-only medicines require one. Over-the-counter medicines do not. See otc-medicine.
Can I get the same medicine cheaper? There may be another product with the same active ingredient. Ask the pharmacist.
I lost my medication. Explain to the clinic and ask. A replacement prescription is sometimes possible.
Take care
Never give leftover medication to others or take someone else's. Even for what looks like the same illness, dose and ingredients differ. Dispose of leftovers in the medicine collection box at a pharmacy or health centre.
Related
chronic-disease · pharmacy-use · medicine-safety · otc-medicine
Source
Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service www.hira.or.kr / As of 2026-08