In recent years, prescriptions for a range of ‘over-the-counter’ treatments have become unavailable on the NHS, following a crackdown on unnecessary NHS spending on common illnesses and problems.
Cough syrups, paracetamol, eye drops and sunscreen are among the products that are no longer routinely prescribed by NHS GPs.
Proposals to curb the prescribing of medicines for mild conditions, which the NHS says would save millions of pounds each year, received “widespread support” at a public hearing when they were first discussed.
Some products can be bought over the counter at a lower cost to the NHS.
However, it may be a blow to people who receive free prescriptions because they will now have to pay for the product they get for free.
Free prescriptions have also been the subject of speculation in Labour’s next budget, but there has been no confirmation yet that free prescriptions will be cut.
NHS England has announced that it spends £22.8m each year on treating constipation, £3m on athlete’s foot and other fungal infections and £4.5m on dandruff shampoos.
Riverview Surgery said: “In 2015/16 GPs issued 1.1 billion prescription items at a cost of £9.2 billion. The vast majority were appropriate, but many did not require a prescription. “It was about medicines, products, or treatments that can be purchased for more than 1,000 yen.” In some cases, they can be purchased from pharmacies, supermarkets, petrol stations, corner shops and other retail outlets at a much lower cost than the price paid by the NHS.
Conditions no longer treated on the NHS
According to River View Surgery, these are the conditions affected by the changes first introduced in 2022.
acute sore throat
Rare cold sores
conjunctivitis
cough, cold, stuffy nose
Cradle cap (for infants with seborrheic dermatitis)
hemorrhoids
infant colic
mild cystitis
Mild irritant dermatitis
dandruff
Diarrhea (adult)
Dry eyes/eye pain (tired eyes)
earwax
excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
head lice
indigestion and heartburn
rare constipation
rare migraine
insect bites and stings
mild acne
mild dry skin
sunburn
sunscreen
Mild to moderate hay fever/seasonal rhinitis
Minor burns or burns
Mild symptoms with pain, discomfort, and fever. (Example: pain, sprain, headache, menstrual pain, lower back pain)
stomatitis
diaper rash
Oral candidiasis
Prevention of tooth decay
Ringworm/athlete’s foot
Teething/mild toothache
heartworm
motion sickness
warts and warts
