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Medicines for Self Care (Over the Counter Medicines)
Somerset Integrated Care Board supports any GP practice that decides to reduce their prescribing of medicines which have limited clinical value or are more suitable for patients to buy for themselves
- Ibuprofen/Paracetamol tablets painkillers for minor aches and pains
- Soluble pain killers (because of high salt content)
- Hay fever preparations
- Cough and cold remedies
- Nasal decongestants (and Sterimar)
- Tonics, vitamin and health supplements
- Antiperspirants
- Homeopathic remedies
- Treatments for non-serious constipation or diarrhoea
- Ear wax removers (a few drops of olive oil can be just as good as anything on prescription)
- Treatments for minor facial spots
- Threadworm tablets
- Lozenges, throat sprays, mouthwashes, gargles and toothpastes
- Slimming preparations (except within national guidelines)
- Creams, gels, oils and dressings for minor sprains, sports injuries and scars
- Nappy rash barrier cream
- Hair removing creams
- Head loice lotions and shampoos (wet combing is recommended)
- Athletes foot creams and powders
- Topical treatments for vaginal thrush
- Treatments for fungal nail infections
- Moisturisers and bath additives for minor dry skin conditions
- Travel medicines
- Foods and toilet preparations except where clinically indicated e.g. gluten-free cakes, cake mixes and luxury biscuits, sip feeds, ready made thickened juices, soya milk
- Sun creams
WHY? This decision has been taken because:
- Many of these products are cheap to buy and are readily available from pharmacies, shops and supermarkets (which are often open until late).
- Some of them may not work very well.
- In Somerset we spent almost £4 million last year on these medicines. This money could be better spent on treating more serious conditions such as cancer and heart disease.
In some circumstances your doctor can still prescribe these medicines on the NHS if they believe a true clinical need exists.
For more information from Somerset Integrated Care Board: