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Pharmacy & Pharmacology vocabulary · Prescriptions and Dosing

Refill

Meaning in pharmacy & pharmacology, with examples

/ˈriˌfɪl/nounCommon term

In pharmacy & pharmacology, refill means: A further supply of a medicine that is allowed on the same prescription, so that the patient does not need a new prescription each time.

In Turkish: reçete yenileme, ilacın yeniden verilmesi, tekrar reçete

How it is used

Mainly American: a prescription may say 'refills: 3', and patients ask for or call in a refill. In the UK the usual term is 'repeat prescription', and patients order their repeats. Pharmacists check that a refill is not requested too early and that the patient is still using the medicine correctly.

Example sentences

  1. You have two refills left on this prescription.

  2. I'd like to order a refill of my inhaler, please.

Common collocations

  • request a refill
  • no refills
  • refill a prescription
  • repeat prescription
  • prescriptionA written or electronic order from a doctor or other authorised prescriber that tells the pharmacist which medicine to supply and how the patient should use it.
  • adherenceThe extent to which a patient takes a medicine as agreed with the prescriber, at the right dose and times and for the right length of time.
  • dispenseTo prepare and supply a medicine to a patient against a prescription, usually after checking it, labelling it and explaining how to use it.
  • medication reviewA structured check of all the medicines a patient takes, usually done with the patient, to make sure each one is still needed, effective, safe and taken correctly.

More terms: Prescriptions and Dosing

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.