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Over the counter medications

 

The pharmacist will be able to advise on a number of medications including painkillers, hayfever medications and some skin conditions. Many of the local pharmacies provide a common ailments scheme where you can be assessed by a pharmactist, and medications provided free of charge. 

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Rescue packs

 

If you have COPD or asthma, you may be provided with a rescue pack. If you feel unwell, please do still contact the surgery, and if you have started the rescue pack without being assesse, please contact the surgery if you do not feel any better within 48 hours.

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Anti-inflammatories and paracetamol

 

These are medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac/voltarol, indomethacin, meloxicam, ketoprofen (these are all Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs), some of which can either be bought over the counter or be prescribed for you.

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They can also put additional strain on your kidneys when you are unwell, particularly if you are not eating or drinking as much as usual. These medications have other side effects too, which is why, unless absolutely necessary for symptom control, they should ideally not be taken regularly.

As a precaution, we would advise patients taking these medications regularly to try to reduce taking them to the minimum amount that controls their symptoms.​

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Paracetamol, taken at doses within the recommended daily amount, is a safe option for taking for your symptoms when you feel unwell. 

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Inhalers

 

You can request your inhaler as usual if you have asthma or COPD. If you do not have either of these conditions then an inhaler is of no use. If you are frequently requesting an inhaler, you may be asked to book in for an asthma/COPD review to ensure your symptoms are adequately controlled.