It takes five years for pharmacists to become fully trained.
So they are experts in the use of medicines and are qualified to diagnose and treat minor illnesses.
For many illnesses, your local pharmacist can provide free advice and medication to help you and your family feel better. Pharmacists are also required to continue to update their knowledge and skills at all times.
How can Think Pharmacy First help you?
We know that people visit their GP with minor illnesses that their local pharmacist could help with. Instead of booking a GP appointment, you can visit your local pharmacy instead, saving you time and with no appointment needed, you can just walk in.
All pharmacists can give advice and medicine if you need it that will help clear up the problem.
If your condition is more serious they will then refer you to your GP.
What’s more, many pharmacies are open in the evenings and on the weekends. Click here to find your nearest pharmacy.
Which illnesses are included?
Advice from your pharmacist is always free but thanks for the Think Pharmacy First scheme they can also provide treatment for the minor illnesses below:
Aches and pains
- Back pain
- Headache
- Migraine
- Period pain
- Teething
- Toothache
Allergies
- Bites and stings
- Hay fever
- Skin reaction
Colds and flu
- Cough
- Congestion
- Sore throat
- Fever and/or temperature
Ear care
- Earache
- Ear infection
- Ear wax
Eye care
- Bacterial conjunctivitis (sticky eyes)
- Styes
Stomach aches
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Haemorrhoids
- Indigestion
- Reflux
- Threadworm
- Vomiting
Head lice
Any skin or mouth problem
- Athletes foot
- Chickenpox
- Cold sores
- Contact dermatitis (inflammation of skin)
- Fungal nail infection
- Nappy rash
- Scabies
- Skin rash
- Vaginal thrush
- Warts and verrucae
Can I get free treatment?
If you don’t normally pay for your medicines, then you don’t need to pay with Think Pharmacy First – you can get them free and over the counter from your local pharmacist without the need to see your GP.