Over the counter medicines Posted or Updated on 8 Apr 2024

Start Well, Choose Well, Stay Well

The NHS spends around £569 million each year on a wide range of medicines which can be purchased from community pharmacies, supermarkets and other retail outlets.

In 2018, NHS England issued national guidance on ‘over the counter (OTC) products’ which should NOT be prescribed to ensure long-term sustainability of the NHS. This guidance encourages people to self-care for minor self treatable and/or self-limiting conditions which will get better with time.

Over the Counter Medicines

GP practices no longer prescribe medicines that are available to buy over the counter

Did You Know?

The cost to the NHS for many of these medicines is often much higher than the price
for which they can be purchased over the counter and you can get them without seeing your doctor.