We know that a number of our patients are seeking injections for weight loss privately. We wanted to highlight a recent FSRH update regarding contraception. https://fsrh.org/Common/Uploaded%20files/documents/Patient-information-GLP-1-agonists-and-contraception.pdf ▶️ I am taking the pill. Will using a GLP-1 agonist affect my contraception? This depends on the type of GLP-1 agonist that you are using. If you are using tirzepatide you should use a barrier method of contraception (e.g. condoms) in addition to your pill for four weeks after starting the medication, and for four weeks after any increase in dose. This is because tirzepatide works slightly differently to the other GLP-1 agonists. Alternatively, you may wish to consider another (non-oral) method of contraception whilst using tirzepatide. There is currently no evidence that semaglutide, exenatide, liraglutide, dulaglutide or lixisenatide reduce the effectiveness of oral contraception (i.e. the combined pill, or the progestogen only pill/ “mini-pill”). ▶️ Can I take a GLP-1 agonist during pregnancy? It is important to use effective contraception whilst taking a GLP-1 agonist, as these medications should not be used in pregnancy. If you become pregnant whilst taking one of these medications it is important to discuss this with your doctor. GLP-1 agonists should also be avoided for a number of weeks prior to a planned pregnancy.
Over the counter (OTC) medicines
Over the Counter (OTC) Medications
OTC medications are those that can be bought from pharmacies. GP practices are encouraged not to prescribe medications that are available from pharmacies and supermarkets without a prescription.
Remember you don’t need an appointment to see a pharmacist, which makes it quicker and easier to get advice and medicines rather than contacting the surgery. Buying medicines over the counter will also help to free up GP appointments for those who really need them.
Examples include treatments for: hayfever, dry skin, scabies, athletes foot, conjunctivitis and warts etc.
Currently the NHS spends around £136 million a year on prescriptions for medicines which could otherwise have been bought over-the-counter. Buying medicines yourself will help save the NHS money as some products to treat minor, short-term illnesses can be purchased over-the-counter at a lower cost than that which would be incurred by the NHS.
Importantly, the prescription changes will not affect the prescribing of over-the-counter treatments for long-term conditions or more complex conditions, or where minor illnesses are a symptom or side effect of a more serious condition.
Your local pharmacy can also help with treatments for seven common minor illness such as urine infections, sinusitis and shingles. See our Urgent Care page for more details on Pharmacy First.
