Medicines for Self-Care

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