Your GP, Nurse or Pharmacist will generally not give you a prescription for over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for a range of minor health conditions.

Instead, OTC medicines are available to buy in a pharmacy or supermarket.

The team of health professionals at your local pharmacy can offer help and clinical advice to manage minor health concerns. If your symptoms suggest it is more serious, they will ensure you get the care you need.

You can buy OTC medicines for any of these conditions:

Exceptions

In some cases, you can still get prescriptions for medicines used to treat these conditions. You may still be prescribed a medicine for a condition on the list if:

Improved Access

We are working together with other local practices to offer patients access to more appointments in the early mornings, evenings and at weekends. To find out more about these services, please contact the practice.

Probiotics, Vitamins and Minerals

GPs, Nurses or Pharmacists will also generally no longer prescribe probiotics and some vitamins and minerals. You can get these from eating a healthy, varied and balanced diet, or buy them at your pharmacy or supermarket.

Why is the NHS reducing these prescriptions?

The NHS currently spends around £136 million a year on prescriptions for medicines that can be bought from a pharmacy or supermarket, such as paracetamol.

By reducing the amount it spends on OTC medicines, the NHS can give priority to treatments for people with more serious conditions, such as cancer, diabetes and mental health problems.