How Pharmacies Can Help – Pharmacy First
Pharmacies are a convenient and accessible way to receive healthcare advice, treatment, and support without needing a GP appointment. Pharmacists are trained healthcare professionals who can help with a wide range of minor illnesses and medication concerns.
Advice from a Pharmacist
Pharmacists can provide expert advice on common conditions, including:
- Coughs, colds, and sore throats
- Ear infections and earache
- Aches, pains, and headaches
- Skin conditions, rashes, and insect bites
- Digestive issues, such as indigestion or constipation
They can also help with medicine-related concerns, such as:
- How to use your medication correctly.
- Managing side effects or interactions with other medicines.
- Choosing the right over-the-counter treatment.
If your condition requires further assessment, the pharmacist can refer you to a GP or other healthcare professional.
Treatment from a Pharmacist (Pharmacy First Service)
Under the Pharmacy First Scheme, many pharmacies can now provide prescription medication without a GP appointment for certain conditions.
Conditions Treated with Prescription Medicine at Pharmacies
| Condition | Age Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Impetigo | 1 year and over |
| Infected insect bites | 1 year and over |
| Earache | 1 to 17 years |
| Sore throat | 5 years and over |
| Sinusitis | 12 years and over |
| Urinary tract infections (UTIs) (women only) | 16 to 64 years |
| Shingles | 18 years and over |
If you do not meet the age criteria, pharmacists can still:
- Offer advice and self-care recommendations.
- Suggest over-the-counter treatments.
- Refer you to a GP if further treatment is needed.
If you visit a pharmacy with one of these conditions, the pharmacist will:
- Offer advice and treatment options.
- Prescribe medication if eligible under Pharmacy First.
- Refer you to a GP if necessary.
- Update your GP health record, but your information will not be shared with anyone else.
Most pharmacies can provide prescription medicine for these conditions, but contact them before visiting to check availability.
Find your nearest participating pharmacy using the NHS Pharmacy Finder.
Additional Pharmacy Services
Disposing of Old Medicines
- Do not put expired or unwanted medicine in the bin or flush it down the toilet.
- Take it to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
Help with New Medicines
If you are prescribed a new medicine for a long-term condition, you can have up to three consultations with a pharmacist to:
- Answer any questions about your medication.
- Ensure you are using it safely.
- Check that it is the right treatment for you.
Contraceptive Services
- Some pharmacies can provide the contraceptive pill for free without a prescription.
- If you are 18 or older, you can buy the progesterone-only pill from most pharmacies.
Find a pharmacy that offers the contraceptive pill without a prescription here.
Emergency Contraception
- Some pharmacies offer the morning-after pill for free.
- If you are 16 or older, you can also buy it over the counter.
Find out more about emergency contraception.
Free Blood Pressure Checks
- Some pharmacies offer free blood pressure monitoring for eligible patients.
Find a pharmacy that offers free blood pressure checks here.
Other Services Available at Pharmacies
Many pharmacies also provide:
- Advice from a pharmacist after contacting NHS 111 or a GP.
- Chlamydia screening and treatment.
- Support to stop smoking.
- Cholesterol and blood sugar testing.
- Substance misuse services, including needle exchange schemes.
- Weight management advice and support.
Ask your local pharmacy to find out which services they offer.
For more information about Pharmacy First and pharmacy services, visit the NHS Pharmacy Services Page.
