Over the Counter Medication

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Please help us to preserve our NHS

The NHS spends an estimated £569 million every year on prescribing medicines that can be bought over the counter without a prescription.

You have ordered a prescription for a common condition and this medication is available to buy over the counter from your local pharmacy. NHS England and Coastal West Sussex CCG have asked surgeries to encourage their patients to consider purchasing medication over the counter where possible. Medicines from the pharmacy are generally cheaper than a prescription charge. Please note that even if you get free prescriptions you are not automatically exempt from this guidance.

You do not need to make an appointment to speak to the pharmacist, just pop in anytime and they will be happy to help you. Community pharmacists have the knowledge and skills to help and advise you on treating common conditions and how to use medicines.

A list of pharmacies in the area is available here

If at any time you are concerned about your condition you should contact the local pharmacist or the surgery for more advice.

Please contact the surgery for further advice on 01903 222 900. This policy also has the support of the St Lawrence Surgery Patient Participation Group.

Thank you for your consideration and support.

_{Please store medicines in a safe place, out of the reach of children and always check the expiry date of medicines before use. Please return all out of date medications to your local pharmacist.}