What Medicines Are No Longer Available on Prescription in the UK?

What Medicines Are No Longer Available on Prescription in the UK?

Understanding the NHS rules behind prescription changes and what patients can now buy over the counter

Patients often feel confused when their GP tells them a medicine will no longer be prescribed. It raises the same question every time:

“What medicines are no longer available on prescription in the UK?”

The NHS has updated its prescribing guidance in recent years to ensure prescriptions are reserved for conditions that genuinely need medical treatment. Many items that patients used to receive on prescription are now considered suitable for self-care, especially when they are safe, inexpensive, and widely available in pharmacies.

Below is a clear breakdown of the changes and what it means for you.

Why Have Some Medicines Been Removed From NHS Prescriptions?

NHS England reviewed thousands of products and found that many:

🔹Have limited clinical value

🔹Can be bought cheaper over the counter than the standard NHS prescription charge

🔹Treat self-limiting conditions that improve on their own

🔹Are used for short-term, minor illnesses

🔹Have non-prescription equivalents that work just as well

This allows the NHS to focus funding on cancer care, long-term illnesses, mental health services, and serious medical conditions.

Medicines No Longer Available on Prescription

These are categories NHS GPs are now advised not to prescribe routinely.

1. Pain Relief for Mild and Short-term Ailments

Prescriptions are no longer provided for everyday painkillers such as:

🔹Paracetamol

🔹Ibuprofen

🔹Aspirin

These cost far less over the counter than the NHS prescription fee.

 2. Cough, Cold and Flu Remedies

You cannot get a prescription for items such as:

🔹Throat lozenges

🔹Decongestants

🔹Cough syrups

🔹Vapour rubs

🔹Cold & flu sachets

These treat viral illnesses that clear on their own.

 3. Antihistamines for Hay Fever

Unless symptoms are severe or chronic, GPs will not prescribe:

🔹Cetirizine

🔹Loratadine

🔹Chlorphenamine

🔹Fexofenadine (some strengths remain prescription-only)

These medicines are widely available and inexpensive.

 4. Vitamins and Minerals

Except for diagnosed deficiencies, NHS prescriptions no longer cover:

🔹Vitamin D

🔹Iron tablets

🔹Vitamin B12

🔹Folic acid

🔹Multivitamins

Most supplements can be bought over the counter at low cost.

5. Skin Products and Emollients

Unless part of an eczema management plan, you cannot get:

🔹E45-type creams

🔹Basic moisturisers

🔹Bath additives

🔹Soap substitutes

These are classed as self-care items.

 6. Antifungal and Antibacterial Creams

For mild skin infections, prescriptions are not routinely issued for:

🔹Clotrimazole

🔹Miconazole

🔹Hydrocortisone 1%

🔹Athlete’s foot creams

7. Head Lice Treatments

Products to treat nits or lice must now be bought at a pharmacy or supermarket.

8. Sunscreen for Normal Use

Only specialist sunscreens for diagnosed medical conditions are prescribable.
General sun protection must be purchased privately.

Are These Medicines Completely Unavailable on Prescription?

Not necessarily; NHS guidance allows exceptions. A GP may still prescribe these items if:

🔹You have a long-term condition (e.g., chronic eczema)

🔹Your symptoms are severe or recurrent

🔹You have safeguarding concerns or vulnerabilities

🔹You cannot afford over-the-counter alternatives

🔹OTC products have failed despite correct use

Clinical judgement always applies.

Can a Pharmacy Still Help?

Yes. Even though some medicines are no longer available on prescription, a community pharmacy like Time Pharmacy can support you by providing:

🔹Advice on the right OTC medicine

🔹Guidance on safe use and interactions

🔹Help identifying when you need a GP review

🔹Repeat prescription management

🔹Pharmacy First consultations (for eligible conditions)

Pharmacists remain the first point of contact for minor conditions.

Final Thought

If you want to understand what medicines are no longer available on prescription, the key point is simple: the NHS now encourages self-care for minor, short-term issues while focusing its resources on essential medical treatment.

If you’re unsure whether your medicine is included in the new guidance, speak to your pharmacist; they can check for you and recommend the safest next step.

FAQs

1. Why has the NHS stopped prescribing some medicines?

To ensure NHS funding is used for more serious and long-term medical needs, and because many minor-condition treatments can be bought cheaply over the counter.

2. Can my GP still prescribe these medicines if needed?

Yes. GPs can prescribe them in specific clinical circumstances or if self-care is not suitable.

3. Are these restrictions the same across the whole UK?

Guidance may vary slightly across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, but the overall approach is similar.

4. What if I cannot afford over-the-counter medicines?

Speak to your GP or pharmacist. In some cases, prescriptions may still be issued to support vulnerable patients.