Patients will no longer receive prescriptions, for minor conditions, if the medication is readily available over-the-counter (OTC) in pharmacies or supermarkets.
Instead, from January 29, they will be advised which treatments or medication to purchase by their GP, Nurse or Community Pharmacist.
This will primarily affect medications such as paracetamol, throat lozenges or vitamins, and conditions such as cystitis or dandruff.
Prescriptions
These items are often cheaper to buy directly when compared to the cost of a prescription.
The current cost of a prescription is £3.85 per item, compared to boxes of paracetamol that are available for less than £1 over the counter.
This new prescribing policy from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) applies to medications being used for conditions that would ordinarily clear up without treatment or for minor conditions that are appropriate for treatment at home.
Any patients using OTC medications as part of the management or treatment of a more long-term condition will continue to receive it on prescription.
Signposting patients to their local Community Pharmacist for guidance and advice around minor conditions should make it easier and quicker for them to get the advice they need.
Minister for Health and Social Care Lawrie Hooper MHK said:
“This policy is a step in the right direction to ensure we’re providing an efficient, accessible and sustainable service – and that we’re using our resources effectively.
Minister for Health and Social Care Lawrie Hooper MHK
“I’d encourage everyone to make better use of the wealth of experience and advice available to us all at our local community pharmacies and other services available in the community.”
Manx Care has developed guidance for patients, and for clinicians to help signpost accordingly.
You can find more information on the conditions that will be affected, as well as answers to Frequently Asked Questions, on the OTC medicines webpage.
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