Changes to hayfever prescriptions

Mild to moderate hayfever preparation will no longer be available on NHS Prescription.

Following a review of the latest NHS Guidance, we are no longer able to prescribe the following hayfever medication:

• antihistamine tablets and liquids (including cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine)
• steroid nasal sprays (including beclometasone)
• sodium cromoglicate eye drops.

These products are available to buy from pharmacies and most supermarkets, therefore you will still have access to these products should you wish to continue using them.

Below are some FAQs about the changes and how you can treat it yourself using over the counter (OTC) medicines:

How do I get hayfever medication now?

Most hayfever treatments are available to buy from pharmacies and most supermarkets.

How should I treat general hayfever symptoms (sneezing, itchy throat, coughing)?

Use simple antihistamine* tablets, capsules or liquid.

*Antihistamines may cause drowsiness.

What should I take for nasal symptoms (runny nose, sneezing and congestion)?

If you are 18 years old and over, you can use a steroid nasal spray. This works by reducing inflammation in the nose and helps control allergic symptoms associated with hayfever. This will not produce immediate relief and can take 2-3 weeks of regular use before the full benefit is seen. For best results start using 2-3 weeks before the likely onset of symptoms and make sure you use it every day.

A pharmacist can check your technique to help make sure you are using it correctly.

A steroid nasal spray can also ease eye symptoms.

Saltwater nasal sprays may also help. The aim of saltwater sprays is to wash pollen out of the nostrils. This can sometimes help to reduce the need for steroid nasal sprays.

What should I take for eye symptoms (red watery itchy eyes)?

Use eye drops.

Eye drops containing sodium cromoglycate can stop the release of histamine from cells to stop the watering and provide relief from itchiness. They need to be used regularly in both eyes to prevent symptoms. Sometimes they can make the vision blurry when first put in the eye(s) but this will clear. Sodium cromoglycate eye drops can be used throughout the hayfever season if needed. All eye drops should be discarded one month after opening to reduce risk of infection.

What if my symptoms don’t improve?

If your hayfever symptoms are not controlled after 2-4 weeks, you may need to try a different treatment or need to add in another treatment. Some trial and error may be required to find the best combination of tablet/nasal spray and eye drop for you.

How long do I need to take hayfever medication for?

If you are taking hayfever medication regularly and your hayfever is well controlled on your current treatment, continue this treatment until the end of the pollen season.

When should I seek further advice from my doctor’s surgery?

• If symptoms cannot be controlled with medications you have purchased or there are troublesome side effects caused by the medication.
• Any wheezing or any shortness of breath or worsening of asthma.
• If your child is under 2 years old.
• If the pattern of your symptoms is unusual, such as occurring during the winter or only at your workplace. It is likely that a substance other than pollen is responsible and further testing may be required to confirm this.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What medications are available over the counter?

The following table shows some common OTC hayfever products that can be bought from a pharmacy and their suitability for children. Some are also available in smaller pack sizes from a supermarket or convenience store.

For all medicines, please make sure you read the information leaflet to make sure it is suitable for you and that you know how to use it correctly. If in any doubt, please speak to your local pharmacist – always mention any other medical conditions or if any medication being taken.

For further information please visit Hayfever – NHS (www.nhs.uk)