Patients can ask pharmacists to extend prescriptions up to a year.
The pharmacy regulator has welcomed the extension of prescription validity from six to 12 months.
From September patients can ask pharmacists to extend up to a year if they have a prescription dated from today or later.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly says it'll reduce the need for repeat GP visits.
Mullingar Pharmacist Eamonn Brady says patients will benefit from the extension: