Medicine Optimisation

Minor conditions for which routine prescribing is not supported

Patients should be buy items for the following conditions even if they are exempt from prescription charges. 

Medicines like paracetamol, emollients and antihistamines can be purchased from pharmacies and supermarkets which are open late and at weekends. Pharmacists are fully trained healthcare professionals whose expertise on medicines and advice, is available without an appointment.

In recognition of the increase in the cost of living, patients should be reminded that ‘branded’ products, such as those for painkillers and antihistamines are usually more expensive than available generic alternatives. Generics contain the same active ingredient, are cheaper and just as effective as the ‘branded’ version. Help for Households has some further useful information on support with the cost of living. 

Vitamin D Supplements 

Vitamin D is important for bone health and immunity. It is unique because is it found in some foods and our bodies can also make it when our skin is exposed to sunlight.

Foods such as oily fish such as salmon, sardines, and pilchards contains a lot of vitamin D; egg yolk, meat and milk contain small amounts. Some breakfast cereals, infant formula milk and some yoghurts have added vitamin D.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends people at risk of deficiency should take a 10 microgram vitamin D supplement all year round; those with a higher content of vitamin D are unnecessary and could be harmful in the long run.

Vitamin D supplements are widely available from pharmacies, health food shops and most supermarkets. Some people who are pregnant or breastfeeding and children aged 6 months to 4 years may qualify for Healthy Start vitamins which contain vitamin D. Ask your health visitor about this.