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