Medicine Policy
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are divided into two groups: General Sales list (GSL) and Pharmacy (P) medicines. These medicines can be sold without a prescription; however, you will need to fill out a small questionnaire when purchasing Pharmacy medicines. A Pharmacist will then review your questionnaire response and if they are satisfied, your order will then be completed. If the Pharmacist is not satisfied, the order may be rejected, and you will receive a full refund, or you may be contacted for further information before completion of the order.
By law, sales of products containing the following ingredients are limited:
- Paracetamol
- Ibuprofen
- Aspirin
- Codeine
- Dihydrocodeine
- Promethazine
- Dextromethorphan
- Pseudoephedrine
- Ephedrine
- Bisacodyl
- Senna (Sennosides)
- Sodium Picosulfate
- Loperamide
- Cinnarizine
- Clemastine
- Chlorphenamine
- Cyproheptadine
- Ulipristal Acetate
A number of these ingredients are associated with misuse and abuse and therefore restricted for patient safety.
Restriction of these ingredients also prevent the “masking” of any underlying condition and ensuring the patient does not have more medication than they need.
Purchasing sedative products
Certain combinations of sedative products cannot be purchased together as they have similar effects on the body and can therefore be dangerous. E.g. Sales of Codeine and Promethazine containing products, as well as, Dihydrocodeine and Promethazine containing products, are not permitted.
If a purchase of a sedative item has been made, there will be a 28-day time frame before a second purchase of a sedative product can be allowed.
This 28-day time frame is not confined to sedative products only and may be applicable to other restricted ingredients.
Referrals
You will be referred to a healthcare professional if you have been purchasing a particular over-the-counter product for a long period of time OR if an over-the-counter medicine is unsuitable for you due to a health condition or other medication you are taking.
Signposting
More information can be found if you visit the following websites:
- Health and medical information: https://patient.info
- Healthcare Services: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search
- Medicines misuse and abuse: https://www.talktofrank.com/contact-frank