General Practices in England will generally not be able to give you an NHS prescription for medicines that are available to buy in pharmacies and supermarkets.
NHS England changed the rules on treatments for minor and self-limiting conditions in 2018 with the aim of prioritising prescriptions for more serious or long-term health problems. Prior to this the NHS was spending around £136 million a year on prescriptions for treatments that can be purchased over the counter.
Please ask your local pharmacy for advice if you may need treatment for conditions such as:
• coughs, colds & sore throats • mild to moderate hay fever • conjunctivitis • dry eyes • dandruff • nappy rash • cradle cap • teething • travel sickness • head lice • indigestion • dry skin • warts and verrucae • insect bites • ear wax • mouth ulcers • threadworms • athlete’s foot
Exceptions can be made at the discretion of the treating practitioner, for example where over the counter treatments have not worked, in more severe forms of the illness, or where the licence does not allow the product to be sold to certain groups e.g. women who are pregnant or children under a certain age. Please speak to the practice if you need further information.