When you go to the GP for a prescription, it ends up costing the NHS a lot of money for these minor ailments you can get the same advice from the pharmacist as you would from the GP and quicker access to treatment. By cutting down on these costs the NHS can use the money it saves on other services.

Pharmacists have the training to help you treat and manage minor illnesses, you don't need to book an appointment with a community pharmacist, you can just pop into the local pharmacy and ask for help or advice. If a pharmacist thinks you need to see a doctor, they will advise you straight away and direct you to the best service to meet your needs. 

If your symptoms last longer than your pharmacist advises once you have started treatment you should then book an appointment to see your GP.

Please see below a list of medications and ailments we will no longer be providing prescriptions for;

• Pain killers for minor aches and pains including dental pain
• Pain killers for headaches and occasional migraine
• Oral Thrush
• Cough and cold remedies
• Cold sore remedies
• Lozenges, throat sprays, mouthwashes and gargles and mouth ulcer treatments
• Treatments for conjunctivitis (where patient is over 2 years of age)
• Hayfever and/or preparations for minor allergic reactions (such as insect bites/stings) including creams, ointments, tablets (including fexofenadine 120mg tablets), nasal sprays and eye drops
• Treatments for dry/sore eyes
• Indigestion and heartburn remedies
• Travel medicines and vaccines including travel sickness 
• Treatments for non-serious constipation and diarrhoea in adults
• Treatments for haemorrhoids
• Treatments for minor acne
• Treatment for minor nail infections
• Treatment for warts and veruccas 
• Tonics, vitamins, health supplements and complementary medicine
• Antiperspirants including those for hyperhydrosis (excessive sweating)
• Treatments for mild cystitis (please speak to your community pharmacist)
• Threadworm and ringworm treatments
• Ear wax removers and softeners
• Barrier creams for nappy rash
• Treatment for infant colic
• Creams for female facial hair
• Creams, gels & stockinette for sprains and sports injuries
• Creams & gels for bruising, tattoos and varicose veins
• Treatments for minor burns and scalds
• Athlete’s foot cream and powders
• Slimming preparations other than those restricted to prescription only
• Head lice lotions and shampoos
• Shampoos and/or Creams for dandruff and cradle cap 
• Moisturisers & bathing additives for dry skin conditions
• Food and toilet preparations where not clinically indicated e.g. gluten free foods, sip feeds, infant feeds, soya milks and sun creams
• Over the counter dental preparations

You can check to see if you are eligible for free prescriptions 

Check if you're eligible for help | NHSBSA

If you are not eligible a PPC could save you money if you pay for your NHS prescriptions. 

The certificate covers all your NHS prescriptions for a set price. You will save money if you need more than 3 items in 3 months, or 11 items in 12 months.

The prescription charge in England is £9.90. A PPC costs:

• £32.05 for 3 months
• £114.50 for 12 months

If you get prescriptions for hormone replacement therapy (HRT), you may save more with the Hormone Replacement Therapy Prescription Prepayment Certificate (HRT PPC).

Before buying a PPC, check if you’re entitled to free NHS prescriptions and other help with health costs using our eligibility checker.