As Easter approaches, pharmacy processing times may take a little longer than usual due to the increased demand. To avoid any delays, be sure to order or collect your repeat prescriptions in plenty of time.
If you order your repeat medication through your GP practice, please be patient. The easiest and quickest way to order your medication is online or via the NHS App, allowing you to do so from the comfort of your home without the need to go out.
Before placing your repeat prescription order, check what medicines you already have and only order what you need. Having excess supplies at home can be wasteful and, in some cases, dangerous. Once dispensed, medicines cannot be reused and must be destroyed.
It’s also a good idea to keep your medicine cabinet stocked with simple over-the-counter remedies like paracetamol, ibuprofen, and anti-diarrhoea tablets. This way, you can manage common illnesses or minor ailments yourself, without needing to see a GP.
Five things for your medicine cabinet
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Pain relief – paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin to help relive minor aches and pains, as well as symptoms of minor illnesses.
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Oral rehydration salts – a high temperature, diarrhoea and being sick can cause you to become dehydrated by losing water and essential minerals. Oral rehydration salts help restore your body’s natural balance of fluid and minerals.
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Anti-diarrhoea tablets – diarrhoea can be caused by food poisoning or a stomach virus and can happen without warning. Anti-diarrhoea remedies may not deal with underlying cause but can help control the symptoms.
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Indigestion treatment – antacids can reduce stomach acidity and bring relief to stomach ache or heartburn.
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A full first aid kit – this should include bandages, plasters, a thermometer, antiseptic, eyewash solution, sterile dressings, medical tape and tweezers.