Prescribing of over the counter medicines is changing.
Your GP, nurse or pharmacist will not generally give you a prescription for over the counter medicines for below:
- Vitamin D
- Paracetamol
- Warts Medicines
- Creams
- Vitamin B12
- Other Vitamins
- Eye Drops
- Laxatives
- Gels for Pain
- Antihistamines
Medicines which are available to buy will no longer be routinely prescribed for the following conditions:
- Acute sore throat
- Conjunctivitis
- Coughs, colds and nasal congestion
- Cradle cap
- Dandruff
- Diarrhoea (adults)
- Dry eyes / sore tired eyes
- Earwax
- Excessive sweating
- Haemorrhoids
- Head lice
- Indigestion and heartburn
- Infant colic
- Infrequent cold sores of the lip
- Infrequent constipation
- Infrequent migraine
- Insect bites and stings
- Mild acne
- Minor burns and scalds
- Mild cystitis
- Mild dry skin
- Mild irritant dermatitis
- Mild to moderate hay fever
- Minor pain, discomfort and fever (e.g. aches and sprains, headache, period pain, back pain)
- Mouth ulcers
- Nappy rash
- Oral thrush
- Prevention of tooth decay
- Ringworm / athletes foot
- Sunburn
- Sun protection
- Teething / mild toothache
- Threadworms
- Travel sickness
- Warts and verrucae
Why is it changing?
These common conditions can be treated at home with items that can be bought from pharmacies, supermarkets and other stores.
As you will not need an appointment at your GP surgery to obtain a prescription this will save you time. It will also free up appointments for patients with more serious conditions.
If your condition needs further attention your pharmacist will recognise this and recommend you make an appointment.
Be self-care aware
Self-care
Why is it so important for your health?
Below are two downloads with information on what you can do when you have a minor illness (condition) or feel unwell and where you can get quick and easy advice without needing to go to the GP surgery.
Self-care poster (EXTERNAL PDF LINK)
Self-care poster (EXTERNAL PDF LINK)
A GP, Nurse or Pharmacist will generally not give you a prescription for (OTC) medicines
Instead you will be advised to purchase these directly with a pharmacy or in a supermarket.
Why can't I get a prescription for an over-the-counter medicine?
Frequently asked questions
I cannot afford to buy medication over the counter, what can I do?
Pharmacies in the Lewisham borough may be able to issue some acute medication free of charge. This is called the Pharmacy First Scheme.
If you answer yes to all the following points, you'll be eligible to get advice and treatment for free.
- You are registered with a GP in Lewisham
- You don't normally pay for your prescriptions
- You are suffering from one of the conditions listed below:
- Acne
- Athlete's Foot
- Cold Sores
- Conjunctivitis
- Constipation
- Cough/Cold/Flu/High Temperature
- Cystitis in adult females
- Dandruff
- Diarrhoea
- Dry Eyes
- Ear Wax
- Eczema, Dry or Itchy Skin
- Haemorrhoids (Piles)
- Hayfever
- Head Lice
- Indigestion/Heartburn/Tummy Upset/Vomiting
- Insect bites and stings
- Mouth or gum swelling
- Mouth Ulcers
- Nappy Rash
- Nasal Congestion
- Pain
- Prevention of fever after vaccination
- Sore Throat
- Teething
- Threadworms
- Thrush
- Warts and Verrucaes