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Stocking Your Medicine Cabinet

We feel it is important that all households should keep a reasonably stocked medical cabinet at home to deal with minor ailments. Remember all medicines should be stored in a box or cupboard with a lock and kept well out of the reach of children.

Always check the expiry date on medicines and do not keep them for future use, as they lose their effect or become dangerous. Remember that your pharmacist can give advice about medicines.

Sedative Cough Linctus - For dry or painful coughs

Antiseptic Cream - For sores, grazes and septic spots

Antiseptic Solution - Dilute in water & use to clean cuts and grazes

Calamine Lotion - For use on dermatitis, and on insect bites & stings and sunburn to soothe

Tweezers - For removing splinters

Plasters - For minor cuts

Thermometer - For checking fevers

Indigestion Remedies - For relief of heartburn and indigestion pains

Crepe Bandage (3 inch) - For sprained joints & for holding dressings in correct place

Paracetamol Tablets - For general pain relief in adults

Paracetamol Liquid - For relief of pain and/or fever in young children

Soluble Aspirin Tablets - For adults or children over 12 - good for headaches, colds & sore throats

Ephidrine Nose Drops - For runny noses in children over 1 year. Do not use for more than 4 days

Vapour Rub - For steam inhalation, stuffy noses or dry coughs. Rub into chest and on nose

Antihistamine Tablets/Ointment - For relief of inflammation from itches/rashes and allergic reactions caused by body's over production of histamine. Useful in allergy reactions such as watery eyes, sneezing, swelling and for insect bites. Recommend to use newer brands which are less sedative

Rehydration Solution - For replacing fluids and salts lost due to vomiting or diarrhoea

ADHD Medications

The NHS Board and Prescribing Team have issued a notice regarding patients who are prescribed ADHD medications via an NHS led service.  There are significant shortages of various medications which is affecting the whole of the UK.  These shortages have been caused by multiple different factors , including changes to manufacturers, reduced production of some medications, delays in distribution and increased demands on stock.

These issues are affecting the following medications: Elvanse - Equasym XL - Medikinet XL - Xaggitin XL - Xenidate XL - Concerta XL - Guanfacine MR - Atomoxetine

What can you do?

If you are unable to obtain your prescription from your usual pharmacy, please try an alternative pharmacy.  It can be helpful to phone around and ask about stock in advance of trying to collect your prescription.  Large chain pharmacies such as Boots have limited suppliers that they can order from however smaller, independent pharmacies may have more flexibility to source medications from different suppliers so it is definitely worth calling around.

If you or your child takes Methylphenidate or Lisdexamfetamine, you are being advised to follow these instructions:

  • Reduce the number of days you take your medication to only essential days where possible
  • If you take multiple doses of medication in a day you should consider reducing how often you take these where possible
  • If you take more than 1 tablet/capsule at a time, you should consider reducing to 1 per day
  • If you take a brand of methylphenidate ask your pharmacy if an alternative brand can be sourced.

If you or your child takes Atomoxetine, you are being advised to follow these instructions;

  • Speak with your local pharmacy first to request that they try to order in all strengths of the medication that you take
  • If they manage to source a lower dose of your medication, ask your Doctor or Prescriber if they can issue a prescription for that dose.

There are a range of interventions to help with the symptoms of ADHD which are not medication dependent that can be put in place at home, at work and at school.  Speak to your child's teachers, health and/or social care team if you need help with exploring these options.

Antiviral Medication

The NHS have begun providing antiviral medication for patients who are "at risk" and suffering from COVID-19. These treatments can help some people manage their COVID-19 symptoms and reduce the risk of becoming seriously ill.  If you believe that you may be eligible to receive antiviral medication, you can self refer by calling 0800 121 7072.  Further information can be found via NHS Inform.