Repeat Prescriptions from a GP in Dubai
Regular medicines need a valid prescription in the UAE, and a prescription is a medical decision rather than a form: the GP confirms what you take, why, whether it is still right, and when it was last reviewed. At Smart Care Polyclinic in Deira, repeat prescriptions are issued at a short consultation, including for medicines started overseas, with a review where one is due.
For: regular medicines for ongoing conditions, including those started abroad
Takes: a 10-15 minute consultation
Price: consultation AED 70
What it is
Bring the medicine, its packaging or a previous prescription, and any recent results. The GP checks the name, dose and indication, whether monitoring bloods are due — thyroid function, kidney function, lipids or HbA1c for the common ones — and whether anything has changed. A prescription is then issued for the appropriate period, usually one to three months for a stable condition.
Some medicines need more than a repeat. Controlled medicines follow UAE regulations and need a specialist prescription; some need blood tests before they can be continued; some are not licensed here and are replaced with an equivalent. The GP will say which applies rather than refusing without explanation.
Medicines started overseas
New residents arrive with medicines their previous doctor prescribed, and the supply runs out. Bring the medicine or the prescription; the GP prescribes the same or the local equivalent, arranges any monitoring that was due, and takes over the routine care where you want it.
Insurance
Prescriptions are issued on the DHA system and can be dispensed at any pharmacy. Where your insurer requires a diagnosis code or prior approval for a medicine, the GP records what is needed at the visit.
The consultation, and what follows from it
GP consultation
Assessment, examination and a plan with every cost stated before anything further is done.
AED 70 was AED 130
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Questions patients ask
No. A prescription is a medical decision and needs a consultation, which for a stable repeat is short. Telephone repeats are not issued.
Usually, or the local equivalent where that product is not available here. Some medicines are controlled in the UAE and need a specialist; the GP will tell you which.
This guide is general information, not advice about you. A GP's assessment depends on your history and examination, which is why the consultation exists.