Reducing prescribing of over-the-counter medicines – does it affect you?

NHS England has launched a public consultation on reducing prescribing of over-the-counter medicines for 33 minor, short-term health concerns. Specifically conditions that are self-limiting and lend themselves to self-care.

If stopping the prescription of any of these items will affect you, positively or negatively, please give us your feedback. You can email info@healthwatchbirmingham.co.uk or call 0800 652 5278.

You can find out more about the proposals and also share your experiences directly by clicking here.

Items of low clinical value

• Probiotics
• Vitamins and minerals

Self-limiting conditions

• Acute sore throat
• Cold sores
• Conjunctivitis
• Cradle Cap (Seborrhoeic dermatitis – infants)
• Haemorrhoids
• Infant Colic
• Mild Cystitis

Minor Ailments Suitable for Self- Care

• Contact Dermatitis
• Dandruff
• Diarrhoea (Adults)
• Dry Eyes/Sore tired Eyes
• Earwax
• Excessive sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
• Head Lice
• Indigestion and Heartburn
• Infrequent Constipation
• Infrequent Migraine
• Insect bites and stings
• Mild Acne
• Mild Dry Skin/Sunburn
• Mild to Moderate Hay fever/Seasonal Rhinitis
• Minor burns and scalds
• Minor conditions associated with pain, discomfort and/fever. (e.g. aches and sprains, headache, period pain, back pain)
• Mouth ulcers
• Nappy Rash
• Oral Thrush
• Prevention of dental caries
• Ringworm/Athletes foot
• Teething/Mild toothache
• Threadworms
• Travel Sickness
• Warts and Verrucae

For the list of example products for conditions or over the counter items that could be restricted (these examples are for illustration purposes only and might include more or less items) see here.