Why are some medicines no longer prescribed?
NHS guidance recommends that for around 35 common minor conditions, medicines that can be bought over the counter should not be routinely prescribed by your GP. [bswtogether.org.uk]
This is because:
- Many of these illnesses are self-limiting (they get better on their own)
- They are safe to treat yourself with advice from a pharmacist
- Treatments are often cheaper to buy than the NHS prescription cost
Please be aware that the practice will usually not issue prescriptions for conditions listed above where treatments are available over the counter.
Our clinicians follow NHS guidance, which recommends that these conditions are best managed through self-care and advice from your local pharmacy.
This applies to all patients, including those who may be exempt from prescription charges, unless there are exceptional clinical circumstances.
This helps ensure GP appointments and NHS resources are available for more serious or complex medical conditions.
Self-Care & Over-the-Counter Conditions that you can see your community pharmacist for
| Category | Conditions | What You Can Do |
| Coughs, colds & infections | Coughs, colds, nasal congestion, sore throat, conjunctivitis, cold sores | Rest, fluids, paracetamol/ibuprofen (provided not allergic to ibuprofen like medication), pharmacy advice. Seek medical advice if symptoms last >2–3 weeks, high fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, or difficulty swallowing. |
| Digestive problems | Indigestion, heartburn, mild diarrhoea, occasional constipation | Diet changes, hydration, antacids/alginates such as Gaviscon or short courses of acid-reducing treatment. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist beyond 2–3 weeks OR URGENTLY if you have any of the following symptoms (difficulty swallowing, weight loss, persistent vomiting, vomit containing blood or substance that looks like coffee grounds or soil, persistent pain, black/blood containing stools). |
| Skin conditions | Mild acne, dry skin, dermatitis, dandruff, nappy rash, athlete’s foot, ringworm | Use Over the counter moisturisers, medicated creams or anti-fungal products. Seek medical advice if spreading, severe, infected (red/painful/swollen), or not improving. |
| Pain & minor injuries | Headache, infrequent migraine, back pain, period pain, sprains, minor burns/sunburn | Rest, paracetamol/ibuprofen over the counter (provided not allergic to such medication), stay active where possible. Seek medical advice via the practice (or NHS 111 /urgent care or 999 if closed) if severe/persistent, or back pain with: worsening pain, weakness in both legs, numbness in groin/saddle area, bowel incontinence or inability to pass urine. |
| Eyes, ears & mouth | Earwax, dry/tired eyes, mouth ulcers, oral thrush | Use drops, gels or pharmacy treatments. Seek medical advice if pain, vision changes, hearing loss, pain behind ear, abnormal ear discharge or if symptoms persist beyond 2–3 weeks. |
| Children & baby conditions | Teething pain, colic, cradle cap | Use simple remedies and pharmacy advice. Seek medical advice if child is unwell, has fever, poor feeding, or symptoms persist/worsen or unusually drowsy, has dark yellow urine or dry nappies for more than 12 hours. |
| Allergies & minor reactions | Hay fever, insect bites and stings | Antihistamines, nasal sprays, soothing creams. Seek medical advice urgently if swelling of face/lips/tongue, breathing difficulty, or severe reaction. |
| Common infections/infestations | Head lice, threadworms | Use pharmacy treatments as directed. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist despite treatment or recur frequently. |
| Other minor conditions | Warts, verrucae, haemorrhoids, excessive sweating | Use over counter creams or treatments. Seek medical advice if severe pain, bleeding.Please note for warts/verrucae treatment on the NHS may be limited. |
| ✈️ Travel-related conditions | Travel sickness, sunburn, insect bite prevention | Use pharmacy treatments before travel (e.g. antihistamines, sunscreen, repellents). Seek medical advice if severe reactions, dehydration, or worsening symptoms. |
| ✈️ Travel-related services (not provided by GP) | Fear of flying | Diazepam is not prescribed for fear of flying; Please use community pharmacy, private GP, or travel clinic services. The Pharmacy & Medicines and Healthcare regulatory bodies have strict guidance on this matter. Please see links below for non-medical approaches to address the fear of flying: https://www.fearlessflyer.easyjet.com/https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/information/travel-assistance/flying-with-confidencehttps://www.flyingwithoutfear.com/ |
| ✈️ Travel-related services (not provided by GP) | Period delay medication (e.g. norethisterone) | Medication to delay periods for holidays or events is not routinely prescribed as it is a non-medical/lifestyle request. NHS guidance recommends that such treatments are not prescribed in primary care.These medicines require individual assessment and may carry risks (e.g. blood clots). Please access via community pharmacy, private GP, or reputable online clinic. Plan ahead before travel or your event |
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