Position Statement for prescribing preparations available to buy over the counter (OTC) for self-care.
South East London Area Prescribing Committee are committed to delivering best value by ensuring that we use our resources well. Therefore to help us to support the cost effective, evidence based use of medicines, NHS South East London Clinical Commissioning Group no longer supports the routine prescribing of health supplements and medications that can be bought over the counter for self-limiting, short-term illnesses and minor conditions.
Patients should be advised that:
The NHS recommends everyone keeps a well-stocked medicine cabinet with self- care medicines.
Self Care – South East London CCG (selondonccg.nhs.uk)
Community pharmacists can offer advice on how to manage short term illnesses and minor conditions, when to seek medical advice, and what to take if they take other medications. Patients do not need to make an appointment to see the pharmacist, and many pharmacies are open late nights and at the weekend
If their problem is more serious and needs the attention of another healthcare professional such as their GP, the pharmacist will advise them on this.
For more details visit South East London Area Prescribing Committee Position statement for items available over-the-counter (OTC) for self-care(selondonccg.nhs.uk).
