What are Over the Counter Treatments?

Over the counter (OTC) are medicines that can be purchased in a pharmacy under the supervision of a pharmacist, or without pharmacist supervision in the local shops or the high street. Self care using OTC medicines helps you to look after yourself and your family when you can.

What has changed?

Following a period of national consultation, NHS England has issued new guidance on OTC medicines.  This means that for 35 minor, short-term health conditions OTC medicines will not be routinely prescribed. 

In the year prior to June 2017, the NHS spent approximately £569 million on prescriptions for medicines which can be purchased OTC from a pharmacy (or other outlet).

Please click here for NHS England's Self-Care OTC guidance and here for NHS Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group OTC Questions and Answers.