If it’s prescription then usually it’s a prescribed course or to to treat a condition.

The thing is mixed messages don’t help. Docs are often saying try something else before meds. So then if you get meds and it solves the problem then people stop. So wasted meds exist.

Secondly you tend to get a repeat prescription it’s often to manage or anticipate, say for example a migraine. If then this does not occur then it’s wasted meds.

Question is, if you need it later and it is not there and the doc L/surgery makes it hard to get hold of the med again is it easier option is to have a repeat prescription.

And the uk does not usually measure in swimming pools, football fields or Dodge rams. So whoever wrote this is clearly trying to get a reaction.