These medicines include:
Hay fever preparations
Pain killers for minor aches and pains
Soluble pain killers (because of high salt content)
Cough and cold remedies
Nasal decongestants (and Sterimar)
Tonic, vitamin, and health supplements eg vitamin D
Treatments for non-serious constipation or diarrhoea
Ear wax removers (a few drops of olive oil is just as good as anything on prescription)
Threadworm tablets
Lozenges, throat sprays, mouthwashes, gargles and toothpastes
Indigestion remedies tablets and liquids for occasional use
Slimming preparations (except within national guidelines)
Creams, gels, oils and dressings for minor sprains, sports injuries and scars
Creams for bruising, tattoos, varicose veins and scars
Moisturisers, suncreams and bath additives for minor skin conditions
Nappy rash / barrier creams
Treatments for minor facial spots
Hair removing creams
Athletes’ foot creams and powders
Topical treatments for vaginal thrush
Treatments for fungal skin, nail infections and dandruff
Verruca and wart treatments
Foods and toilet preparations except where clinically indicated.
Homeopathic remedies
Head lice lotions and shampoos (wet combing is recommended)
Antiperspirants
Why? This decision has been taken because:
In Somerset we are working to ensure patients feel more empowered and informed to manage their own health.
Somerset spent almost £5 million last year on these medicines which is no longer affordable.
All of these products, are the same strength that the GP had been prescribing, and are readily available along with advice from pharmacies, as well as some shops and supermarkets (which are often open until late)
Some of them do not actually work very well, e.g. cough syrups
This money could be better spent on more serious conditions such as cancer, heart disease and mental health.
Funding is needed to continue prescribing for chronic long term conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, asthma and more severe eczema
For more information from the National Health Service on conditions, treatments, local services and healthy living please visit the NHS Choices website: www.nhs.uk/Pages/HomePage.aspx
http://www.selfcareforum.org/