Be prepared – your medicines cabinet

Check your medicine cabinet and make sure you have the following basics to hand when you need them. Any out-of-date medicines should be returned to your pharmacy.

Check for the following:

• Painkillers (tablets and liquids), such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
• Antihistamines for allergies
• Rub-on painkilling gel
• Oral rehydration sachets
• Indigestion remedies
• Laxatives
• Anti-diarrhoea medicine
• Cream or spray to treat insect bites, stings, cuts and grazes
• Plasters and dressings

By keeping a selection of essential medications at home you can treat common conditions in a timely manner, avoid unnecessary trips to see your doctor or visits to A&E. For more information visit the NHS website www.nhs.uk/OTCmedicines