Overview
MedExpress prescription orders go through a clinical review and approval process before they're dispatched for delivery. How long this takes depends on the treatment requested, how quickly your order receives clinical approval, and which delivery option you choose at checkout.
Use this article to:
Understand how MedExpress prescription orders are reviewed and approved
Find out when a MedExpress order is dispatched
Compare MedExpress delivery timeframes and options
Learn what can cause delays to your MedExpress order
Clinical review and approval
Every MedExpress prescription order is reviewed by a clinician before it can be approved for dispatch.
For most MedExpress treatments:
Once your prescription order is approved, MedExpress aims to dispatch your treatment the same day if the approval happens before 6pm
Some treatments may require additional safety checks before your order can be approved
If a clinician needs more information from you, your prescription order will be placed on hold until you respond — this can delay approval, which in turn may affect whether your order can still be dispatched the same day
Because of this, clinical review times can vary depending on your consultation and the treatment you've requested.
Dispatch timing
Once a MedExpress prescription order is approved:
Your order is passed to the pharmacy for dispensing
If your prescription is approved before 6pm, MedExpress aims to dispatch your treatment the same day
If your prescription is approved after 6pm, your treatment is usually dispatched the next working day
Delivery timeframes (UK)
Delivery speed depends on the delivery option you select at checkout:
Royal Mail 1st Class (£2.90): aims to arrive the next working day, typically arrives within 1–3 working days
Royal Mail Special Delivery by 1pm (£5.95): arrives the next working day by 1pm
Royal Mail Special Delivery by 9am (£13.95): arrives the next working day by 9am
Post Office Collect (£3.95): usually ready for collection the next working day
London same-day delivery (postcode dependent): same-day courier delivery, Monday to Friday
What may affect your order timing
Your MedExpress prescription order may take longer than usual if:
Additional clinical checks are required before approval
A clinician needs more information from you
Your prescription is approved after the daily 6pm dispatch cut-off
There are courier delays or high-demand periods affecting delivery