Prescribing of ‘over the counter’ medicines is changing
NHS England held a consultation on some changes to prescribing medication you can buy over the counter.
This medication can be bought over the counter at a pharmacy or supermarket. It is for minor illnesses anyone can treat at home with the right information.
After the consultation, NHS England has asked local NHS organisations, who plan and buy health services, to think about what they should do in their area.
When you go to the GP and get these medicines on prescription it ends up costing the NHS a lot of money.
By cutting down on these costs, the NHS can use the money it saves on other things, like treatment for cancer or mental health problems.
The minor illness that are included are as follows;-
- Acute sore throat
- Cold sores
- Conjunctivitis
- Coughs and colds and nasal congestion
- Cradle cap
- Haemorrhoids
- Infant colic
- Mild cystitis
- Contact dermatitis (allergic rash)
- Dandruff
- Diarrhoea in adults
- Dry eyes/sore tired eyes
- Earwax
- Sweating too much
- Head lice
- Indigestion and heartburn
- Infrequent migraines
- Infrequent constipation
- Insect bites and stings
- Mild acne
- Mild dry skin/sunburn
- Mild to moderate hay fever
- Minor burns and scalds
- Conditions which are not serious but might cause pain or fever. For example sprains, headaches, period pain or back pain.
- Mouth ulcers
- Nappy rash
- Oral thrush
- Prevention of tooth decay
- Ringworm or athletes foot
- Teething or mild toothache
- Threadworms
- Travel sickness
- Warts and verruca’s