Information for Patients

Introduction

For more information on medicines optimisation, please refer to the information for patient guidance produced by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE): 

• NICE: Safe and effective use of medicines, information for the public

For information on a medicine and the condition it treats, please refer to the NHS website:

• NHS: Medicines A-Z

To find information on NHS prescription charges please refer to the NHS website:

• NHS Prescription Charges

To check if you are eligible for free prescriptions, please refer to the NHS website:

• Check your eligibilty for free NHS prescriptions

To find information on how to order a repeat prescription, please refer to the NHS website:

• How to order a repeat prescription

18^th to 24^th November 2024 is World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week! 

What is World AMR Awareness Week, often referred to as WAAW?

WAAW is an annual global campaign held from 18^th to 24^th November to raise awareness about AMR and promote responsible antimicrobial use.

This year's theme for WAAW is "Educate. Advocate. Act Now" which encourages everyone to learn about antibiotic resistance and to use antibiotics responsibly. By making informed choices, you can help prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance and protect future health.

How Can the Public Get Involved in WAAW?

As a member of the public, you can actively participate in WAAW by:

- Learning more about AMR and its impact. Visit the Antibiotic Guardian website (click here) for more information.

- Discuss AMR and your concerns about antibiotic use with your doctor, nurse, practice pharmacist or community pharmacist.

- Share information about AMR with your family, friends, and community.

You can also find a short video animation here which provides more information about awareness of antimicrobial resistance. 

Together, we can make a difference in preventing the spread of AMR and preserving the effectiveness of these life-saving medicines for future generations.

Over The Counter (OTC) & Self Care Medicines

Did you know that over the last¹12 months, North West London prescribed in the region of £20 million worth of medicines available to buy in a pharmacy or supermarket.

• NHS North West London does not support the routine prescribing of health supplements and medications that can be easily obtained over the counter for minor conditions, self-limiting illnesses, and short-term ailments. This is in line with NHS England's 'Guidance on conditions for which over-the-counter items should not routinely be prescribed in primary care'.

• For further information please refer to NHS England » Prescribing of over the counter medicines is changing patient leaflets.

In addition to national exceptions listed on the leaflet, the following local exceptions will continue to apply in the following scenarios: 

1. Medicines that need to be given at school 
2. Care home residents 
3. Individuals with funded care packages
4. Patients who require a carer to administer a medicine or product 
5. Anyone officially declared homeless 
6. People with a diagnosis of dementia or learning disability

^{_{References:
1 NHSBSA OTC Prescribing Dashboard March 2023 - February 2024
2 Exceptions apply}}