Medicines for self-care

Wirral CCG does not recommend the prescribing of medicines and treatments for minor, short-term conditions where self-care is the most appropriate route and where medicines and treatments are available to buy over the counter. Wirral CCG also does not recommend prescribing where there is insufficient evidence of clinical benefit or cost-effectiveness.

Why this decision has been made?

In Wirral we spent approximately £2m per year on these medicines. This money could be better spent on treating more serious conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

Many of these products are readily available, along with advice, from local pharmacies. Some are also available from local shops and supermarkets.

Everyone in Wirral has the same expectation of what will be provided from their GP practice.

The medicines that patients are expected to buy and won’t be prescribed include:

· Pain killers (such as ibuprofen and paracetamol) for short term use to treat minor aches and pains

· Medication to delay menstruation for social reasons, e.g. holidays, sport, etc. should not be prescribed on the NHS.

· Ear wax removers

· Lozenges, throat sprays, mouthwashes, gargles and toothpastes

· Indigestion remedies for occasional use

· Creams for minor scars

· Hair removal creams

· Threadworm tablets

· Laxatives for short term use (<72 hrs)

· Anti-diarrhoeal medications for short term diarrhoea (<72 hrs)

· Haemorrhoidal preparations

· Moisturising creams, gels, ointments and balms for dry skin with no diagnosis

· Head lice treatments

· Hay fever remedies e.g. Antihistamines, nasal sprays (patients >18yrs)

· Medicated shampoos e.g. Alphosyl, Capasyl

· Sun creams- unless diagnosed photo-sensitivity as a result of genetic disorders

· Vitamins, foods and supplements except where clinically indicated (to be determined by your GP)