Prescriptions

Over the Counter Medicines

Our GPs and nurses will not generally give you a prescription for medicines available over the counter at your local pharmacy or supermarket for a range of short-term, minor health concerns.  These include medicines for concerns such as:

• Coughs, colds and nasal congestion or acute sore throat
• Conjunctivitis or dry eyes/sore tired eyes
• Diarrhoea (adults) or infrequent constipation
• Dandruff
• Haemorrhoids
• Head lice
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Insect bites or stings
• Mild dry skin or mild irritant dermatitis
• Nappy rash, infant colic or cradle cap
• Mouth ulcers or oral thrush
• Mild to moderate hayfever
• Earwax
• Infrequent cold sores
• Ringworm or athletes foot
• Sunburn or sun protection

The team of qualified healthcare professionals at your local pharmacy can offer clinical advice to safely and effectively manage these conditions.

These changes are in order to help the NHS use resources sensibly – this surgery alone spent £509,821 last year on self care treatments, this money can be spent better elsewhere.  Please help us by seeking advice from your pharmacist.

Visit www.nhs.uk for more information on managing minor health concerns.