How your pharmacist can help 

Your local pharmacy is more than just a shop for medicines. It could save you a trip to your GP.

Help with your medicines

Help with minor ailments

Help with healthier living



Did you know, for example, that pharmacies can help with stopping smoking, cutting down on alcohol, advice on safe sex and contraception ?

Lots of pharmacies are open until late and at weekends . You don't need an appointment – you can just walk in.

Your pharmacist can also talk to you confidentially without anything being noted in your medical records, which some people may prefer.

## Help with your medicines

Pharmacists are trained experts in using medicines safely. They can advise you on the safe use of prescription and over-the-counter medicines.

### Repeat prescriptions

If you're regularly prescribed the same medicine, your pharmacist may offer to manage your repeat prescriptions. This means fewer trips to the doctor just to get another prescription.

If you have a long-term medical condition that is stable, your doctor may give you a repeat prescription that's valid for up to a year. Your pharmacist can supply your medicine at regular intervals so you don't have to keep going to your doctor.

Let your pharmacist know if you are having any problems or side effects, and they can let your doctor know.

Ask your doctor about this service .

### Getting rid of unwanted medicines

If your medicine is out of date, unwanted, or some of it is left over after you have stopped taking it, don't put it in your household bin or flush it down the toilet. Instead, take it to your pharmacy to be disposed of safely.


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## Help with minor ailments

Pharmacy teams can give advice about a range of common conditions and minor injuries, such as aches and pains, [sore throat](/health-library/symptoms/sore-throat) , [coughs](/health-library/symptoms/cough) , [colds](/health-library/conditions/common-cold) , [flu](/health-library/conditions/flu) , [earache](/health-library/symptoms/earache) , [cystitis](/health-library/conditions/cystitis/#treatment) and skin rashes.

You don't need an appointment.

If you would like to buy an over-the-counter medicine, the pharmacist can help you choose one.

They can also advise you on whether you need to see a doctor.

Learn more about treating common conditions.


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## Help with healthier living

Pharmacy teams can help you look after your own and your family's health without having to go to the doctor all the time.

They offer healthy lifestyle advice that covers things like healthy eating, physical activity, losing weight and stopping smoking, especially if you have [diabetes](/health-library/conditions/diabetes/#diabetes) , [high blood pressure](/health-library/conditions/blood-pressure-high) , [heart disease](/health-library/conditions/coronary-heart-disease) , are a smoker, or are overweight.

If you have a serious long-term condition, such as diabetes, you'll still need regular reviews with your doctor or specialist.

### Help with stopping smoking

Stop smoking services are also on offer at lots of pharmacies. As well as getting [nicotine replacement therapy](/health-library/treatments/smoking-quitting/#treatment) , such as nicotine gum or patches, or other stop-smoking medicines, you can have regular catch-ups with your pharmacist or a member of their team to help keep you motivated.

Learn more about pharmacy services.


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References

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