Over the counter medicines Posted or Updated on 9 May 2024

Did you know that your local NHS spends £15m a year on prescribing medicines that are available to buy at the pharmacy?

Following national guidance from NHS England, we’re asking GPs not to prescribe these medicines*, including for conditions such as coughs, colds, headaches, mouth ulcers, travel sickness and mild toothache.

Your GP will not generally give you a prescription for over the counter medicines for a range of minor health concerns. Instead, over the counter medicines are available to buy at your local pharmacy.

The team of health professionals at the pharmacy can offer help and clinical advice to manage minor health concerns and if your symptoms suggest it’s more serious, they’ll direct you to the help you need. 

For further details, including a list of conditions the guidance applies to, visit the North West London CCG website. You can also contact us at nwlccgs.communications.nwl@nhs.net

*Exceptions apply