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Self Care Medication

569 million reasons

GP practices NO LONGER provide prescriptions for medicines that you can buy at the pharmacy, supermarket or elsewhere.

In 2017 the NHS spent approximately £569million on Over the Counter (OTC) medicines in England. This is money that could be used to support more serious and/or long-term health conditions

What has changed?

Some medicines, that are available to buy OTC from pharmacies and supermarkets, are no longer prescribed by GP practices. GP practices will advise patients to buy these medicines OTC.

The medicines affected are those used to treat minor, short-term health
conditions, which:

  • you can easily treat yourself (self-care) or
  • should get better on their own (self-limiting)

This change applies to OTC medicines for the conditions listed in here.

Why did we make these changes?

In March 2018, following national public consultation, NHS England published national guidance on reducing the prescribing of OTC medicines for minor, short-term health conditions.

It costs the NHS much more to prescribe these medicines on a prescription than
if they are bought OTC. This is because the NHS has to pay extra fees for the medical consultation(s) and for the pharmacy to supply them.

What if I am exempt from paying prescription charges?

This guidance applies to ALL patients, including those who are exempt from paying prescription charges.

Where can I buy these OTC medicines?

These can be purchased without the need for a prescription from pharmacies, supermarkets and other retail outlets. How much do OTC medicines cost?

How much do OTC medicines cost?

Just like with other goods, the price of medicines may vary between retailers so it is a good idea to shop around to get the best value.

The average cost of most of these medicines will be around £2 to £3 and some will be even cheaper.

What if I need my medication labelled?

Schools, holiday clubs, carers, etc. may require medicines to be supplied with labels on them. Some pharmacies will label medicines purchased OTC for you. Ask at your pharmacy or speak to your GP practice to find a participating pharmacy.

Care navigation – right care, first time

Your GP practice receptionist may advise you to visit the pharmacy first. If you have already spoken to a pharmacist and tried OTC medicines, please bring these with you to your appointment.

Where can I get further advice?

Community pharmacies play a key role in advising patients on minor conditions that you can treat yourself. They are experts on medicines and can signpost to other services if needed.

Most pharmacies have a quiet area, away from other customers, where you can speak to a pharmacist in private. You don't need an appointment, you can just walk in. Many pharmacies also have extended opening hours, including evenings and weekends.

To locate your nearest community pharmacy visit the NHS website: www.nhs.uk/service-search

Your GP recommends you buy the following item(s):

Minor conditions – easily treat yourself

+ These items are only available from your pharmacy

Condition Treatment
Dandruff Coal tar shampoo
Ketoconazole shampoo
Dermatitis / dry skin Moisturising cream
Hydrocortisone cream (10yrs+) +
Dry eyes Hypromellose 0.3% eye drops
Carbomer 0.2% gel +
Paraffin ointment +
Earwax Olive oil drops
Excessive sweating (Hyperhidrosis) Aluminium roll-ons
Hay fever/seasonal rhinitis Cetirizine
Loratadine
Chlorphenamine +
Steroid nasal spray (18yrs+)
Sodium cromoglycate eye drops
Head lice Wet combing
Medicated treatment
Mild acne Benzoyl peroxide cream/gel +
Insect bites and stings Cetirizine
Hydrocortisone cream
Loratadine
Chlorphenamine +
Mouth ulcers Mouthwash
Gels
Nappy rash Barrier cream/ointment
Nail infection (fungal) A morolfine nail lacquer +
Ringworm/athletes foot – creams: Miconazole
Clotrimazole
Terbinafine
Teething/mild toothache Gel
Sachets
Travel sickness Travel sickness tablets +
Threadworms Mebendazole (2yr+) +
Thrush (oral) Miconazole oral gel (4months+) +
Thrush (vaginal) – 16-65yrs: Clotrimazole 2% cream +
Clotrimazole pessary +
Fluconazole once capsule +
Warts and verrucae Salicylic acid gel
Freeze product

Minor conditions associated with pain, discomfort and/fever (e.g. aches and sprains, headaches, period pain, back pain).
Paracetamol
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen gel

Self limiting conditions – should get better on their own

+ These items are only available from your pharmacy

Condition Treatment
Cold sores (on the lips)

Aciclovir cream
Conjunctivitis (Bacterial)


Eye bath/wash
Chloramphenicol drops (2yrs+) +
Constipation Bisacodyl
Senna
Docusate
Coughs, colds and nasal congestion Cough mixtures
Decongestant nose drops/spray
Cold/flu capsules/sachets
Cradle cap Emulsifying ointment +
Shampoos
Cystitis (mild) Cystitis relief sachets
 Haemorrhoids  Creams/ointments
 Suppositories
Infant colic  Simethicone suspensions
Sore throat  Benzydamine throat spray +
 Lozenges

 

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