Medicines for self-care

North East Essex CCGis keen to support patients to manage their own minor ailments. The following will not be issued on prescriptionroutinely unless being used to treat a diagnosed long term condition:

  • Pain killers for short term use in minor aches, pains and fever
  • Cough and cold remedies
  • Lozenges, throat sprays, mouthwashes and gargles
  • Hay fever preparations
  • Indigestion remedies
  • Travel medicines
  • Treatments for non-serious constipation and diarrhoea
  • Treatments for minor acne and minor nail infections
  • Tonics, vitamins, health supplements and complementary medicines (e.g. those for eye health, arthritis, co-enzymes etc)
  • Antiperspirants
  • Threadworm tablets
  • Ear wax removers and softeners
  • Barrier creams for nappy rash
  • Creams for female facial hair
  • Creams, gels & support bandages for sprains and sports injuries (including freeze sprays and gels)
  • Creams & gels for bruising, tattoos and varicose veins
  • Foot cream and powders for the management of athletes foot and hard/cracked skin
  • Slimming preparations other than those restricted to prescription only
  • Head lice lotions and shampoos
  • Moisturisers & bath additives for minor dry skin conditions
  • Shampoos for dandruff
  • Food and toiletry items where not clinically indicated e.g. gluten free foods, sip feeds, soya milks and sun creams.
  • Treatment for oral and vaginal thrush in certain patient groups
  • Treatment for minor haemorrhoids

Medicines for self-care

North East Essex CCG has asked GPs to stop prescribing some medicines to treat minor ailments.

Why?

This decision has been taken because:

  • These medicines and treatments are for minor ailments which do not need to be treated by a doctor.
  • Most people already buy these items when they need them.
  • Many of these products are cheap to buy and are readily available from pharmacies where you can also get additional professional advice on your condition.
  • Shops and supermarkets (which are often open until late) have a limited range of these products that you can purchase
  • Some of them do not work very well although they may be soothinge.g. cough syrups
  • This money could be better spent on treating more serious conditions such as diabetes and heart disease