Why Should Patients Buy Their Medication Over The Counter

Did You Know?

The NHS has been spending around £136 million a year on prescriptions for medicine that can be bought over the counter.

By reducing the amount of over-the-counter medication prescriptions, we can give priority to treatments for people with more serious conditions such as cancer, diabetes and mental health problems.

Where Can You Buy Over The Counter Medication

• Local pharmacies stock  minor aliment treatment medications
• Local high-street shops can offer a range of reasonably priced treatments
• Supermarkets can also supply many medicines

What Conditions Can Be Treated With Over The Counter Medicine

Over 30 different conditions can be treated, here are some:

• ACUTE SORE THROAT
• CRADLE CAP
• DRY EYES / SORE TIRED EYES
• HAEMORRHOIDS
• INFANT COLIC
• INFREQUENT MIGRANE
• MINOR BURNS AND SCALDS
• MILD IRRITANT DERMATITIS
• MOUTH ULCERS
• SUN PROTECTION
• TRAVEL SICKNESS

What Can You Do?

• Keep a few useful medicines at home to treat common conditions without seeing a healthcare professional
• Use your local pharmacist for minor aliment treatment advice
• Stock up your medicine cabinet on basic first aid items

What Of Symptoms Don't Improove?

• Go back to the pharmacy for further advice
• Call NHS 111
• Contact your GP

Published: Mar 1, 2019