The NHS has updated national guidance on what GP practices should prescribe.
As part of this, many over the counter (OTC) medicines and all dressings are no longer recommended on prescription.
This means you may be asked to purchase certain items from your local pharmacy, including common treatments such as:
- Pain relief (paracetamol, ibuprofen, cocodamol 8/500)
- Hay fever and allergy medicines (cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine, Piriton)
- Eye treatments (chloramphenicol for minor infections, dryeye drops)
- Skin treatments (clotrimazole, hydrocortisone, Eumovate, Daktarin/Daktacort)
- Nasal sprays (beclomethasone)
- Dressings are also not prescribed by GP practices.
If you need wound care or dressings, you will be directed to the District Nursing Team.
Why this change has happened:
These prescribing rules come from the Integrated Care Board (ICB) and apply to all GP practices in Lincolnshire.
They help ensure NHS resources are used responsibly and consistently across the county.
