Over the counter medicines (OTC) are non-prescription medicines that can be purchased in pharmacies, supermarkets and many local shops.
Self-care using over the counter medicines helps you to look after yourself and your family when you can. 
 

If you have an OTC medicine on your prescription that is suitable to purchase, your GP will ask you to buy it, if it is appropriate to do so. This is In line with NHS England recommendations. 

NHS England recommendations came into place in 2017 regarding prescriptions which can be purchased over the counter from a pharmacy or other outlets. Since then, the NHS has reduced its annual spend from £569 million per year to £248 million per year on these products, enabling reinvestment in other essential services. 

No. It is important to note that the guidance focuses on restricting prescribing for the minor, short term conditions or self-limiting conditions outlined, not on the restriction of prescribing or individual items. 

If you are taking medicines prescribed by your GP and you are worried about taking an OTC treatment, a pharmacist will be able to advise you on drug interactions. 
A local community pharmacist can discuss with you what prescribed medicines you take and advise you if they are suitable with OTC medicines. 
 

Many community pharmacies have a private room for consultations which you can request to use if you want to talk to the pharmacist in private. You don’t need to make an appointment to see your pharmacist, but at busy times the counter assistant may ask you to wait for a few minutes until they are available. 

Most people have access to a community pharmacy within a short distance of their home, you can find your nearest one here. However, if you struggle to get to yours, then talk to your pharmacist to see if they can help to find a solution. Many community pharmacies are open at weekends or late into the evening.
It is also beneficial to keep a small supply of some OTC medicines at home so that you have them to hand when you feel unwell and means you don’t have to leave the house. 
 

There are restrictions on the quantity of some OTC medicines that you can buy at any one time, but these should be enough to manage a minor illness. Larger quantities can be sold by a pharmacy and your pharmacist can advise you on what the limits are. 

If you require regular, long-term treatment with a medicine then this will be prescribed for you if your GP thinks you need it, even if it can be purchased OTC. However, unless you require a medicine on a regular basis you will be expected to purchase OTC preparations for minor illnesses like everyone else. 

If you have a pre-payment certificate you will also be asked to purchase your OTC treatments for minor ailments. However, if you need regular treatment for a long-term condition, then this will be supplied on prescription covered by your pre-paid certificate. 

Age is not an exception to the guidance. However, you may meet one of the exception criteria in the guidance. See Lincolnshire Guidance for more details.

Exemption from prescription charges is not an exception to the guidance. However, you may meet one of the exemption criteria in the guidance. See Lincolnshire Guidance for more details.

If you are admitted to hospital you will be given an adequate supply of medicines when you are discharged, which will be free of charge. This may also include medicines for minor ailments if you have been prescribed these during your stay and it is thought that a further supply will help your recovery when you go home. However, if they are not required on a regular long-term basis, then they will not be added to your repeat prescription and you will be asked to purchase them in the future. 

Yes, all local NHS services should be supporting the guidance. If you require advice for one of the minor conditions listed, then visit your local pharmacy first. Please do not attend out of hours or A&E services to get over the counter medicines. 

If you have a general enquiry about the changes to over the counter medicine prescribing or wish to make a complaint about these changes, please contact the ICB rather than your general practice. You can:
•    Email: LICB.feedbacklincolnshireicb@nhs.net
•    Telephone: 01522 309299
•    Write: Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board HQ, Bridge House, The Point, Lions Way, Sleaford, NG34 8GG