The pharmacy in the UK

Chain pharmacies such as Boots, Lloyds Pharmacy, Well, Rowlands and Superdrug are widespread, along with independent neighbourhood pharmacies and pharmacies in supermarkets (Tesco, ASDA and Sainsbury's).

• They usually open from nine in the morning to five or six in the evening Monday to Friday, and some open Saturday and Sunday with shorter hours, and some until late or 100 hours a week.
• To find an open pharmacy use Find a pharmacy on the NHS site or call 111.
• And there are licensed online pharmacies sending medicines by post, and you must check they are registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and carry the internet pharmacy logo.
• And do not buy medicines from unlicensed sites since they may be fake and dangerous.

The doctor writes an electronic prescription sent to your nominated pharmacy, and you go to collect it after a day or two, or request its renewal via the NHS App for repeat medicines.

• In England the prescription charge is about 9.90 pounds per item (changes yearly), and is free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• Many categories are exempt: children under 16, those under 19 in education, over 60, pregnant women and those who recently gave birth, those receiving some benefits, and patients with some chronic diseases (diabetes with insulin and others) with a medical exemption certificate, and low-income holders of an HC2 certificate.
• And you can buy a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) for three or twelve months that saves if you need more than about three prescriptions a month.
• Tell the pharmacist of your exemption and fill the declaration form on the back of the prescription.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are sold such as painkillers (paracetamol and ibuprofen), antihistamines and medicines for colds, cough, heartburn and diarrhoea and vitamin supplements.

• Medicines are classified as general (GSL) sold in any shop, pharmacy medicines (P) sold in the pharmacy with the pharmacist present, and prescription-only medicines (POM).
• You can ask the pharmacist for free consultation on symptoms, and he will ask about your age, medicines and allergies and recommend what suits or direct you to a GP if needed.
• And the Pharmacy First service in England offers assessment and treatment for specific conditions, and some pharmacies offer services such as blood pressure measurement, sugar tests, vaccinations (flu) and emergency contraception.
• Always check the instructions on the leaflet.

Follow the dose and duration on the packet and do not combine medicines containing the same active ingredient (such as multiple cold medicines containing paracetamol) since you may exceed the safe dose and harm the liver.

• Tell the pharmacist or doctor about everything you take of medicines, herbs, supplements and allergies and pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Read the patient information leaflet on side effects.
• Store medicines away from children in a cool dry place.
• Do not share your medicine with others and do not use expired medicine.
• Return unused medicines to the pharmacy for safe disposal, and do not throw them in the toilet.
• And if a severe allergic reaction occurs (facial swelling or difficulty breathing) call 999 at once.
• And speak to the pharmacist if you are fasting and taking medicines to adjust doses with the doctor.

Pharmacies provide emergency contraception (the morning after pill) free or for a fee, and dispense oral contraceptives through the Pharmacy Contraception Service in some areas.

• And you can obtain travel medicines and special vaccinations (yellow fever and typhoid) at certain pharmacies for a fee.
• A medicine for chronic treatment from other countries does not usually need translation but ask the doctor about the British equivalent, since names and doses may differ.
• If you do not speak English well write the medicine name or symptoms, bring a translation, or use a friend, since many pharmacists speak multiple languages.
• And the pharmacist is bound by confidentiality.
• And if you need full supplies like nappies, pregnancy tests or vitamins they are available.
• And ask about home delivery of medicines for chronic patients.

What is Pharmacy First?