Guidelines : Self Care and Over the Counter Medicines

In March 2018 NHS England issued guidance on conditions for which over the counter (OTC) medicines should not routinely be prescribed. The MCG supports the principles and recommendations within the guidance but acknowledges the potential conflict with the obligations of the GMS contract that states "a prescriber shall order any drugs, medicines or appliances which are needed for the treatment of any patient who is receiving treatment under the Contract".

Prescribers should consider their professional obligations and be mindful of the exceptions identified for each of the conditions as set out in the NHSE guidance below and also of the NHSE Medical Director’s letter issued in January 2019 which may assist in clarifying any concerns about prescribing responsibility and contractual obligations.

See below for:

• the NHSE list of treatments included within the guidance and the general exceptions
• the NHSE Medical Director’s letter to practices
• OTC position statement from the Surrey Medicines Commissioners Group

For further information, a list of treatments included within the guidance and the general exceptions please refer to the documents below