The practice is responding to pressure by NHS England to remove items from repeat prescriptions for common ailments which can be easily bought over the counter, often at a far cheaper price than the Prescription Charge. We are working together with Brent CCG and in-house pharmacists to review our repeat prescribing policies.

Many excellent and important medicines are available Over The Counter (OTC) at pharmacies. They do not need to be prescribed by a doctor and indeed you can save yourself a lot of money as many are cheaper than the Prescription Charge. Please not that according to the latest guidance, being exempt from prescription charges is not an exemption from having to pay for OTC medication. For example, if you request an OTC medication because you don’t pay for your prescriptions, the practice is required to refuse adding it onto your prescription, unless it’s clinically indicated. Pharmacists are highly trained in giving sensible advice about self-help for minor illness, please ask them or take a look here.

Video explaining the changes: OTC Information

There are many useful resources where you can find information about self-treatment and medication:

• Your Medicine Cabinet
• How to treat everyday ailments at home
• NHS England guidance on items which should not be routinely prescribed in primary care
• Find NHS services that can help other than a GP

If you have any questions about the items which are no longer going to be prescribed, please email them to: nwlccgs.communications.nwl@nhs.net or call 020 3350 4366