Self-care is about keeping fit and healthy, understanding when you can look after yourself, when a pharmacist can help, and when to get advice from your GP or another health professional.​

Self-care is recommended when you have a minor condition which doesn’t normally need medical care (from a doctor or nurse) or any treatment in order to get better.  In practice this means a person decides that they can manage their illness without seeing a doctor.​

Community pharmacies stock over the counter products for many short term, minor illnesses and conditions, including: ​

• Cough and cold remedies ​
• Painkillers (such as paracetamol) ​
• Anti-inflammatories (such as ibuprofen) ​
• Skin creams and washes ​
• Antifungal treatments ​
• Treatment for bites and stings ​
• Diarrhoea treatments ​
• Hay fever treatments, including tablets and nasal sprays ​
• Indigestion remedies ​
• Laxatives ​
• Sore throat sprays and lozenges ​

You do not need a prescription from a GP to buy over the counter medicines. Find out more about what medicines and treatments you can buy without seeing your GP at your local pharmacy or supermarket.

Click here for frequently asked questions relating to medicines.