Prescriptions for these conditions will no longer be handed out by GPs by the end of May

The move is being made in an effort to save money

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Craig Simpson

08:42, 10 MAY 2018
Updated08:45, 10 MAY 2018

The NHS will be slashing prescriptions for many “over the counter” remedies for dozens of conditions in an effort to save money, it has been announced.

Common ailments from coughs and colds to verrucas will no longer have the remedies once offered over the counter to patients.

This could soon see many people unable to get prescriptions for remedies and medicines to treat common conditions.

High-ranking NHS bosses have said the plan for the health service is to “act like a taxpayer” in a bid to save cash.

NHS bodies say from May 31 they will no longer fund items such as probiotics, vitamins and minerals that are freely available from pharmacies and supermarkets.

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Cough mixture, eye drops, laxatives and sun creams are among the products that will no longer be routinely prescribed.

The proposals to rein in prescriptions for medicines for minor conditions, which the NHS said will save millions of pounds every year, received "broad support" in a public consultation, members heard.

Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, said: "Across the NHS our aim is to: 'Think like a patient, act like a taxpayer'.

"The NHS is probably the most efficient health service in the world, but we're determined to keep pushing further.

"Every pound we save from cutting waste is another pound we can then invest in better A&E care, new cancer treatments and much better mental health services."

More than 60% of respondents to the consultation agreed that over-the-counter products should not be prescribed for a range of minor conditions, board papers show.

Changes to prescriptions are on the way (Image: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire)

The changes will not affect prescriptions for long-term or complex conditions, or where minor illnesses are a symptom of something more serious.

Vulnerable patients will also continue to receive prescriptions for over-the-counter items, provided they are proven to be effective.

Treatments for constipation, cold sores, conjunctivitis, mild indigestion, dandruff, haemorrhoids, infant colic, minor burns and scalds and minor pain conditions such as headache and backache are among those which will not be routinely prescribed.

Remedies for mouth ulcers, nappy rash, ringworm, athlete's foot, head lice, mild toothache, travel sickness, and warts and verrucae have also been dropped, as well as some vitamins and minerals.

Some of the products were available for purchase over the counter at a lower cost than that which would be incurred by the NHS.

NHS England said it spends £22.8 million every year on constipation treatment, £3 million on athlete's foot and other fungal infections, and £4.5 million on dandruff shampoos.

The prescription changes could free up almost £100 million for the health service, the body added.

The move follows a vote in November to remove homeopathy, herbal remedies and supplements from the prescription list as part of a review of "wasteful" prescriptions.