A GP or Nurse will generally not give you a prescription for over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for a range of minor health conditions.
This is because of Government policy to reduce the amount of money the NHS spends on prescriptions for treating minor conditions.
NHS England will be monitoring prescribing data for over the counter medicines for the conditions listed in the leaflet below on a regular basis and will expect to see a trend downwards.
Why has the NHS reduced these prescriptions?
The NHS spent around £569 million a year on prescriptions for medicines that can be brought from a pharmacy or supermarket.
By reducing the amount it spends on OTC medicines, the NHS can give priority to treatments for people with more serious conditions, such as cancer, diabetes and mental health problems.
The team of health professionals at your local pharmacy can offer help and clinical advice to manage minor health concerns. If your symptoms suggest it’s more serious, they’ll ensure you get the care you need.
Over the Counter Information