The doctor shared the reason they don’t prescribe paracetamol (stock photo) (Image: Getty)
It can be frustrating when it seems as though doctors dismiss your symptoms and tell you to buy an over-the-counter solution instead of prescribing you something – but it turns out they have a very good reason for doing so.
Sometimes, when you go to the doctors, the best thing they can do for you is tell you to go to your local pharmacy and pick up some common medication like paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamines, or mild steroid creams. NHS GPs seem to rarely prescribe these medications to patients, which can seem « harsh » or « dismissive ».
But one NHS doctor on social media has explained exactly why doctors usually don’t prescribe these medicines – and it has nothing to do with them being « difficult ».
Doctor Bhasha Mukherjee, an NHS GP based in London, shared a video on Instagram in which she said she understands that it can seem « rude » when doctors tell you to buy your treatment over-the-counter instead of giving you a prescription.
However, the simple reason why they do this comes down to money. She said that prescribing a patient with paracetamol can cost the NHS over £10 for the same box of pills that you can buy from a pharmacy yourself for less than £1.
She explained: « Many medications – like paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamines, and mild steroid creams – cost the NHS significantly more when prescribed than when bought privately.
« A box of paracetamol costs less than £1 in the pharmacy… but the same prescription costs the NHS over £10 once you factor in admin, processing, and dispensing fees.
« Multiply that by thousands of prescriptions, and you’re looking at millions in lost resources – money that could be spent on complex care, mental health, or community services. »
Dr Mukherjee insisted « GPs aren’t being difficult », but they have a responsibility to use NHS funds wisely and « preserve access to care for those who truly need it ».
This means they sometimes have no choice but to signpost over-the-counter options when they’re available to patients.
She added: « Of course, there are exceptions – financial hardship, complex needs, safeguarding concerns. But when appropriate, signposting to OTC [over-the-counter] options isn’t cruelty. It’s common-sense stewardship in a broken system.
« The NHS can’t do everything for everyone — and we’re all feeling the cracks. »
Who can and cannot take paracetamol for adults
According to the NHS, most people aged 16 and over can take paracetamol, and it is safe to take if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Paracetamol is not suitable for some people, however, and you should tell your doctor if you:
- Have ever had an allergic reaction to paracetamol or any other medicine
- Have liver or kidney problems
- Regularly drink more than the maximum amount of alcohol recommended (14 units a week)
If you weigh less than 50kg (8 stone), check with your doctor or pharmacist. You may need to take a lower dose.
How and when to take paracetamol
The most common ways to take paracetamol is in capsule or tablet form. Most of these are 500mg each, and the usual dose for adults is either 500mg or 1g – meaning you take one to two tablets for each dose.
The NHS notes: « Adults can take two 500mg tablets, 4 times in 24 hours. You must wait at least 4 hours between doses. The maximum is eight 500mg tablets in 24 hours. If you’re taking 1g tablets, do not take more than four in 24 hours. »
If you take too much paracetamol, you must contact 111 immediately for advice – even if you feel well.
For more information on paracetamol for adults, visit the NHS website.
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