PATIENTS will be asked to buy medicines including treatments for dandruff and haemorrhoids instead of having them prescribed, it has been confirmed.

Last year, NHS Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group consulted on the second phase of plans to cut the number of medicines prescribed for short-term ailments.

The outcome of this consultation has now been confirmed, and starting from Monday, January 29, a number of medicines are now to be bought in pharmacies or supermarkets instead.

Also included are treatments for mild acne, diarrhoea, stings, infant colic, thread worm, vaginal thrush and cold sores.

Antihistamines for hey fever, baby milks, probiotics, antiperspirants and pain relief cream will no longer be prescribed.

Patients will be required to buy nappy rash creams, eye care products, head lice treatments, nasal sprays and teething gels.

Haperinoid cream, anti-fungal treatments, wart paints and vaginal moisturisers are also affected.

Each year, the CCG spends millions on prescribing medicines that can be bought over the counter.

The consultation saw around 75 per cent of respondents support its latest plans, with the first phase having been previously implemented in 2016.

Dr Catherine Doyle, GP and clinical lead for medicines management at the CCG, said: "In Warrington, we spend approximately £1m per year on prescribing medicines that patients can buy over the counter - often at a much cheaper price than the cost of a prescription.

"The money we can save could be better spent on treating more serious conditions such as heart disease or diabetes and reducing health inequalities across the town.

"Local people have a key role in protecting their own health and choosing appropriate treatments.

"By recognising, treating and managing their own health and also by changing the way they think about accessing services local people can support me and my fellow GP colleagues in focussing on those most in need."

Medication will still be available to be prescribed if a patient needs them for a long-term health condition or requires a higher dosage than is available over the counter.

The full list of medicines affected under phases one and two of the consultation:

  • Painkillers for minor aches and pains
  • Tonics, vitamins and health supplements
  • Ear wax removers
  • Lozenges, throat sprays, mouthwashes, gargles and toothpastes
  • Indigestion remedies for occasional use
  • Creams for bruising, tattoos and scars
  • Hair removal creams
  • Moisturisers and bath additives for dry skin
  • Suncreams
  • Food and food supplements
  • Pain relief cream/ointment for short-term use
  • Oral antihistamines for hay fever
  • Decongestant nasal sprays and tablets
  • Teething gels and mouth ulcer producets
  • Vaginal moisturers eg lubricant gels and creams
  • Warts and verrucae paints
  • Heparinoid gel/cream
  • Antiperspirants
  • Antifungal treatment eg for athlete's foot
  • Treatments for bites and stings
  • Treatment for cold sores
  • Antibacterial eye drops
  • Treatment for diarrhoea
  • Head lice treatments
  • Treatments for infant colic
  • Creams/ointments for nappy rash
  • Threadworm treatments
  • Treatments for vaginal thrush
  • Haemorrhoids treatment
  • Cough preparations
  • Eye care product eg blepharitis wipes
  • Probiotics
  • Treatments for mild acne
  • Dandruff and cradle cap treatment
  • Baby milks (unless there is a clinical need for a specialist milk)