Can you get the contraceptive pill free from a pharmacy?

Needing a GP appointment just to start the pill, or to get more of the one you already take, is one of those small hurdles that can make life harder than it needs to be. You don’t need one any more. Through the NHS, you can now start or continue the contraceptive pill at a pharmacy, for free.

This is general information. Which pill is right for you is decided at a confidential consultation.

The short answer

Yes. The NHS says a pharmacist may be able to supply the pill for free, without a prescription.
It’s for starting the pill or continuing it, including the combined pill and the progestogen-only pill.
It’s free. Contraception is free and confidential on the NHS, and there’s no prescription charge for it.
At MediPill, it’s available at all four branches, with no GP referral needed.

How the NHS pharmacy contraception service works

The NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service lets pharmacists supply oral contraception after a confidential consultation. At MediPill:

the consultation takes about 15 minutes, in a private room
the pharmacist takes a health history, checks your blood pressure, and makes sure the pill is suitable for you
they explain how to take it, what to do if you miss a pill, and which side effects to look out for
you leave with your supply, and we arrange your review, usually once a year

It works whether you’re starting the pill for the first time or continuing a pill you already take, whether it was started by your GP, a sexual health clinic or another pharmacy.

Which pills can you get?

The service covers the two types of contraceptive pill:

the combined pill, which contains two hormones
the progestogen-only pill (sometimes called the mini pill), which contains one

Some people can’t take the combined pill because of their medical history, for example certain types of migraine or a history of blood clots. The progestogen-only pill is suitable for most people in that situation. The pharmacist will talk it through with you.

Other methods, like the coil (IUD or IUS), the implant or the injection, need a GP surgery or sexual health clinic. We’ll point you in the right direction.

Is it really free?

Yes. The NHS says contraception services are free and confidential, and contraception is one of the items that’s always free on the NHS, so there’s no prescription charge for your pill.

Is it confidential?

Yes. The NHS says contraception is free and confidential, including for young people under 16. The doctor, nurse or pharmacist won’t tell anyone, including parents or carers, unless they think someone is at risk of harm.

Need emergency contraception?

If you’ve had unprotected sex or your contraception may have failed, the morning after pill is also free at all four of our branches. Our guide to the free morning after pill explains how it works and how quickly you need it.

Common questions

Do I need a prescription or a GP appointment? No. You can start or continue the pill at the pharmacy without seeing your GP.

I already take the pill. Can I get my next supply from you? Yes. Continuing a pill you already take is part of the service. Bring the name of your pill if you can.

Will you check my blood pressure? Yes. It’s part of making sure the pill is safe for you, especially the combined pill.

Can I walk in? You can, but booking means you’ll be seen without waiting.

Can I be seen at the weekend? Botley is open Saturdays 9 to 2, and Summertown and Deddington 9 to 12. Headington is closed at weekends.

Contraception at MediPill

The NHS contraception service is available at all four branches:

MediPill Botley – 9 Westway Square, OX2 9TJ
Headington Pharmacy – 207 London Road, OX3 9JA
MediPill Summertown – 227 Banbury Road, OX2 7HQ
MediPill Deddington – The Studio, Hudson Street, OX15 0SW

Book on our NHS contraception page. Questions first? Get in touch and a pharmacist will come back to you.

Sources

Where to get the combined pill – NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/combined-pill/where-to-get-it/ (accessed 23 September 2026)
NHS prescription charges – NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/nhs-prescription-charges/ (accessed 23 September 2026)
MediPill NHS contraception service: our NHS contraception page (23 September 2026)

Written by Zain Rajabali, Superintendent Pharmacist – GPhC #2219769
Medically reviewed by Zain Rajabali, Superintendent Pharmacist, Independent Prescriber – GPhC #2219769
Last reviewed: 23 September 2026 · Next review due: September 2027

This article is general health information and is not a substitute for a consultation. It does not recommend any specific contraceptive for you. Suitability is decided at a confidential assessment with a pharmacist.

Can you get the morning after pill free? What to know, and how quickly

If you’ve had unprotected sex, or your contraception may have failed, the most important thing is time. The morning after pill works best the sooner you take it. The good news is that you don’t need an appointment with a GP, and you don’t need to pay for it.

This is general information. A pharmacist will check the right option for you, confidentially.

The short answer

Yes, it can be free. The NHS says you can get free emergency contraception from pharmacies that offer NHS emergency contraception services, as well as sexual health clinics and most GP surgeries.
It’s free at all four MediPill branches, as part of the NHS pharmacy contraception service.
Time matters. One type needs to be taken within 3 days (72 hours) of sex, the other within 5 days (120 hours). The sooner, the better.
The copper coil (IUD) is the most effective option, and can be fitted up to 5 days after sex at a sexual health clinic or GP surgery.

How quickly do you need to take it?

According to the NHS, there are two types of emergency contraceptive pill:

one that you need to take within 3 days (72 hours) after sex
one that you need to take within 5 days (120 hours) after sex

Either way, you take a single pill, and the NHS says the sooner you use emergency contraception, the more effective it usually is. So don’t wait until you’re sure you need it. Come in as soon as you can.

How well does it work?

The NHS says it’s hard to know exactly how well it will work for you, because it depends on things like how soon you take it. Research suggests that around 1 to 2 women in every 100 who take an emergency contraceptive pill will get pregnant.

The most effective emergency contraception is the IUD (copper coil), which can be fitted within 5 days of sex. It needs an appointment with a trained nurse or doctor, usually at a sexual health clinic or GP surgery, and can then be kept as your regular contraception.

Can anyone take it?

Most people can. The NHS says:

you can usually take it even if you can’t use other hormonal contraception, like the combined pill
you can take it if you’re breastfeeding
it may not be suitable if you take steroid medicines for asthma, or if you’re overweight
ask for advice first if you take medicines for TB, epilepsy or HIV, the antifungal griseofulvin, or the herbal remedy St John’s wort

The pharmacist will go through this with you, and will recommend the IUD instead if it’s a better option for you.

What happens at the pharmacy

It’s a short, confidential conversation in a private consultation room. The pharmacist will ask when you had unprotected sex, about your periods and your usual contraception, and about any medicines you take, then supply the right pill if it’s suitable. You can usually take it there and then.

It’s also a good moment to talk about regular contraception. You can start the pill with us at the same visit, for free. See our guide to getting the contraceptive pill free from a pharmacy.

Is it confidential?

Yes. The NHS says contraception is free and confidential, including for young people under 16. The pharmacist won’t tell anyone, including parents or carers, unless they think someone is at risk of harm.

Common questions

Do I need an appointment? No. Walk in to any of our branches, or call ahead if you’d like. Because timing matters, don’t wait for a booking slot.

Is the morning after pill free for everyone? At MediPill, it’s free through the NHS pharmacy contraception service. A pharmacist will confirm it’s suitable for you.

Can I get it at the weekend? Yes. Botley is open Saturdays 9 to 2, and Summertown and Deddington 9 to 12. Headington is closed at weekends. If we’re closed, the NHS says most sexual health clinics, GP surgeries and some walk-in centres offer it free too.

It’s been more than 5 days. What now? The emergency pill won’t work that late. Speak to a sexual health clinic or your GP for advice.

Emergency contraception in Oxford

Free at all four of our branches:

MediPill Botley – 9 Westway Square, OX2 9TJ
Headington Pharmacy – 207 London Road, OX3 9JA
MediPill Summertown – 227 Banbury Road, OX2 7HQ
MediPill Deddington – The Studio, Hudson Street, OX15 0SW

More about our contraception services is on our NHS contraception page. If you need advice outside our hours, the national sexual health helpline is 0300 123 7123.

Sources

Emergency contraception – NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/emergency-contraception/ (accessed 23 September 2026)
Where to get the emergency contraceptive pill – NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/emergency-contraceptive-pill-morning-after-pill/where-to-get-it/ (accessed 23 September 2026)
Who can take the emergency contraceptive pill – NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/emergency-contraceptive-pill-morning-after-pill/who-can-take-it/ (accessed 23 September 2026)
How to take the emergency contraceptive pill – NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/emergency-contraceptive-pill-morning-after-pill/how-to-take-it/ (accessed 23 September 2026)

This article is general health information and is not a substitute for a consultation. Whether emergency contraception is suitable, and which type, is decided at a confidential assessment with a pharmacist.

What is a normal blood pressure by age? What your reading means

“Is that normal for my age?” is the question almost everyone asks after we take their blood pressure. It’s a fair question, because blood pressure does tend to rise as we get older. But the answer surprises people: for most adults, what counts as healthy doesn’t change with age. What changes is how likely you are to have high blood pressure.

Here’s what the numbers mean, what’s normal, and how to get a free check.

This is general information. If you’re worried about your blood pressure, get it checked rather than relying on a single reading.

The short answer

Normal blood pressure is usually between 90/60 and 130/85, according to the British Heart Foundation.
High blood pressure is usually 140/90 or higher when measured by a healthcare professional, or 135/85 or higher at home, the NHS says.
Low blood pressure is below 90/60.
Age doesn’t change what’s normal for most adults, but your risk of high blood pressure goes up as you get older. The main exception is people over 80, who have a slightly higher target.
If you’re 40 or over, you can get a free NHS blood pressure check at many pharmacies, including all four MediPill branches.

What do the two numbers mean?

Your reading is two numbers, for example 130/80. The NHS explains that:

the first number (systolic) is the highest pressure, when your heart pumps blood around your body
the second number (diastolic) is the lowest pressure, when your heart relaxes between beats

Normal blood pressure by age

For adults, the healthy ranges are the same whatever your age, until you reach 80:

Adults under 80

Normal: between 90/60 and 130/85 (British Heart Foundation)
Slightly raised (“pre-hypertension”): between 130/85 and 139/89 (British Heart Foundation)
High: 140/90 or higher at a clinic or pharmacy, or 135/85 or higher at home (NHS)
Low: below 90/60 (NHS)

Adults over 80

The British Heart Foundation says blood pressure should usually be below 150/90 when checked by a healthcare professional, or below 145/85 at home.

Children’s blood pressure is measured against different ranges. If you’re worried about a child, speak to your GP.

Why age matters, even though “normal” doesn’t change

The NHS says you’re more likely to get high blood pressure as you get older. Other things that raise your risk include:

having close relatives with high blood pressure
a Black African, Black Caribbean or South Asian ethnic background
a diet high in salt
being overweight
smoking or drinking too much alcohol
long-term stress

That’s why the NHS recommends getting your blood pressure checked if you’re aged 40 or over and haven’t had it checked for more than 5 years.

Why a check matters

High blood pressure doesn’t usually cause any symptoms, so many people have it without realising. The NHS says the only way to find out is to get it checked. Left untreated, it puts extra strain on your heart, blood vessels and organs, and increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, heart disease, kidney disease and vascular dementia.

The good news, in the NHS’s words: lowering your blood pressure even a small amount can help reduce your risk.

Get a free blood pressure check in Oxford

If you’re 40 or over and haven’t been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you can have a free NHS blood pressure check at any of our four branches:

it takes about 15 minutes, in a private consultation room
the pharmacist measures your blood pressure twice and gives you a printed reading
if your readings are high, we write to your GP the same day, and can refer you for 24-hour monitoring where it’s needed
you can walk in or book

A single high reading isn’t a diagnosis. Blood pressure goes up and down through the day, so your GP may ask you to check it at home or wear a monitor for 24 hours to confirm it.

If you’re under 40, we’re happy to check yours privately. Just ask on the day.

Checking your blood pressure at home

If you use a home monitor, the NHS suggests: take a reading, note it down, wait 1 minute and take another. Do this twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, for as many days as your doctor or nurse suggests. Remember the home threshold for high blood pressure is lower: 135/85.

How to lower your blood pressure

The NHS recommends:

a healthy, balanced diet, without too much salt
at least 150 minutes of exercise a week
losing weight if you’re overweight
not drinking more than 14 units of alcohol a week regularly
stopping smoking

Many people also need medicine to control their blood pressure. A doctor will recommend what’s right for you.

When to get help

The NHS says to get help from NHS 111 if you often have headaches or blurred vision, have chest pain that comes and goes, or have other symptoms you’re worried could be caused by high blood pressure.

Call 999 if you have sudden chest pain or discomfort that doesn’t go away, pain that spreads to your arm, neck, jaw, stomach or back, or chest pain with sweating, feeling sick, light-headed or short of breath. You could be having a heart attack.

If you keep feeling dizzy or fainting, which can be a sign of low blood pressure, the NHS says to see a GP.

Common questions

What is a normal blood pressure for a 60-year-old? The same as for any adult under 80: usually between 90/60 and 130/85. What changes with age is the risk of it being high, which is why regular checks matter more as you get older.

What is a good blood pressure for someone over 80? The British Heart Foundation says it should usually be below 150/90 when checked by a healthcare professional, or below 145/85 at home.

Is 140/90 high? Yes. The NHS says a reading of 140/90 or higher, checked by a healthcare professional, is usually considered high.

Is a blood pressure check free at a pharmacy? Many pharmacies offer free NHS checks for people aged 40 or over. At MediPill, it’s free at all four branches if you’re 40 or over and haven’t been diagnosed with high blood pressure.

Blood pressure checks at MediPill

MediPill Botley – 9 Westway Square, OX2 9TJ
Headington Pharmacy – 207 London Road, OX3 9JA
MediPill Summertown – 227 Banbury Road, OX2 7HQ
MediPill Deddington – The Studio, Hudson Street, OX15 0SW

Book or find out more on our blood pressure check page. Want the full picture of your heart health? We also offer a cholesterol test at Summertown and Botley. Questions first? Get in touch.

Sources

High blood pressure – NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-blood-pressure/ (accessed 23 September 2026)
Blood pressure test – NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/blood-pressure-test/ (accessed 23 September 2026)
Low blood pressure – NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/low-blood-pressure-hypotension/ (accessed 23 September 2026)
High blood pressure – British Heart Foundation. https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/risk-factors/high-blood-pressure (accessed 23 September 2026)

This article is general health information and is not a substitute for a consultation. A single reading is not a diagnosis. High blood pressure is diagnosed, and treatment decided, by your GP.

Impetigo: treatment, and how long it’s contagious

Impetigo spreads fast, which is exactly why it causes so much worry, especially when the nursery or school rings to say your child can’t come in. The reassuring part is that it’s usually not serious, it’s very treatable, and you can get it treated at a pharmacy without waiting for a GP appointment.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. If you’re not sure what a rash is, get it checked.

The short answer

Impetigo is a skin infection that’s very contagious but not usually serious. The NHS says it’s more common in young children, and with treatment it often gets better in a few days.
A pharmacist can give the same medicines as a GP to treat impetigo, for anyone aged 1 or over, through NHS Pharmacy First.
It stops being contagious 48 hours after starting treatment, according to the NHS. Without treatment, it can take 7 to 21 days.
Stay off school, nursery or work until it’s no longer contagious.

What does impetigo look like?

The NHS describes it like this:

it starts with red sores or blisters (the redness can be harder to see on brown and black skin)
the sores or blisters quickly burst and often leave crusty, golden-brown patches
the patches can look a bit like cornflakes stuck to the skin
they can get bigger, spread to other parts of the body, and be itchy or sometimes painful

It can look like other things, such as cold sores, eczema, or the itchy blisters of chickenpox or shingles. A pharmacist can tell you which it is.

How is impetigo treated?

The NHS says a pharmacist or GP will first check it isn’t a more serious skin infection, like cellulitis. If it’s impetigo, treatment may be:

hydrogen peroxide cream
antibiotic cream or tablets

Finish the full course, even if it starts to clear up. The NHS says not to stop using the cream or taking tablets early.

What a pharmacist can do

Impetigo is one of the seven conditions covered by NHS Pharmacy First, for anyone aged 1 or over. At MediPill, you can walk in or book. The pharmacist will look at the skin, ask how it started and how it’s spreading, and check your medical history and any medicines you take. Then they’ll:

Supply treatment if it’s impetigo.
Give advice on stopping it spreading while it heals.
Refer you to a GP if it needs a doctor.

Cost: the consultation is free on the NHS. If you’re given a medicine, the standard NHS prescription charge applies, unless you get free prescriptions. Children under 16 always do, as do people aged 60 or over and 16 to 18 year olds in full-time education.

How long is impetigo contagious?

The NHS says impetigo stops being contagious 48 hours after you start hydrogen peroxide cream or antibiotics from a pharmacist or GP. Without treatment, it can take between 7 and 21 days, which is usually when all the patches have healed, dried out and crusted over.

It spreads through skin-to-skin contact, and by touching things that have been in contact with it, like towels and bedding.

How to stop it spreading

While it’s still contagious, the NHS advises:

stay away from work, school or nursery
wash affected areas with soap and water and dry them well
wash your hands often, especially before and after using any cream
wash flannels, towels, sheets and pillowcases at a high temperature, and wash toys in warm soapy water
don’t touch or scratch the sores (this also helps stop scarring)
don’t share towels or bedding, prepare food for others, go to the gym or play contact sports
avoid close contact with children, and with people who have diabetes or a weakened immune system

Impetigo usually infects skin that’s already damaged, like a cut, scratch or insect bite, so keeping small wounds clean helps prevent it.

When to see a GP

The NHS says to see a GP if you or your child have symptoms of impetigo and:

your child is 11 months old or younger
you’re breastfeeding and the sores are on your breasts
you have a weakened immune system, for example from chemotherapy
you’ve had treatment but the symptoms have changed or got worse
you’ve had impetigo in the past year and it has come back

Because it’s so infectious, check with the GP surgery before you go in. They may suggest a phone consultation.

Common questions

When can my child go back to school with impetigo? Once it’s no longer contagious: 48 hours after starting treatment, according to the NHS, or once all the patches have healed and crusted over if it isn’t treated.

Can a pharmacist treat impetigo? Yes, for anyone aged 1 or over, through NHS Pharmacy First. The NHS says a pharmacist can give the same medicines as a GP.

My baby is 9 months old and has sores like this. Can you help? The NHS advises seeing a GP for impetigo in babies aged 11 months or younger. We can help you work out where to go.

Can I be seen at the weekend? Yes. Botley is open Saturdays 9 to 2, and Summertown and Deddington 9 to 12. Headington is closed at weekends.

Pharmacy First at MediPill

All four of our branches offer NHS Pharmacy First. Walk in, or book a slot so you’re seen without waiting:

MediPill Botley – 9 Westway Square, OX2 9TJ
Headington Pharmacy – 207 London Road, OX3 9JA
MediPill Summertown – 227 Banbury Road, OX2 7HQ
MediPill Deddington – The Studio, Hudson Street, OX15 0SW

More on the service is on our NHS Pharmacy First page. Questions first? Get in touch and a pharmacist will come back to you.

More Pharmacy First guides

Sources

Impetigo – NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/impetigo/ (accessed 23 September 2026)
How pharmacies can help – NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/how-pharmacies-can-help/ (accessed 23 September 2026)
Free NHS prescriptions – NHS Business Services Authority. https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/free-nhs-prescriptions (accessed 23 September 2026)

This article is general health information and is not a substitute for a consultation. It does not diagnose your symptoms. Whether treatment is appropriate, and which, is decided at an individual assessment with a pharmacist, in line with NHS Pharmacy First criteria.

Think you have shingles? Why the first 3 days matter

Shingles often starts with something vague: a tingling or burning patch of skin, a headache, feeling a bit off. Then, a few days later, a rash appears on one side of your body. If that sounds familiar, don’t wait for it to pass. With shingles, the timing of treatment matters, and a pharmacist can help you on the same day.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. If you think you have shingles, get advice as soon as possible.

The short answer

Get advice quickly. The NHS says to get advice from a pharmacist or NHS 111 as soon as possible if you think you have shingles.
Try to be seen within 3 days of the rash appearing. If you need antiviral medicine, it works best when started within 3 days.
A pharmacist can give the same antiviral medicines as a GP to adults aged 18 and over, through NHS Pharmacy First.
Get urgent help if the rash is on or near your eye or nose, or your vision changes.

Signs of shingles

According to the NHS, the first signs can be:

a tingling or painful feeling in an area of skin
a headache or feeling generally unwell

A rash usually appears a few days later. It’s most often on the chest and tummy, but it can appear anywhere, including the face, eyes and genitals. The key sign is that the rash appears on one side of your body only. The NHS says a rash on both sides is unlikely to be shingles.

Why the first 3 days matter

Not everyone with shingles needs medicine. The NHS says a mild rash may not need any treatment. But you may be offered antiviral tablets to help speed up your recovery if:

you have a weakened immune system
your pain or rash is moderate or severe
the rash is affecting areas other than your chest, tummy and back

You usually need to start antivirals within 3 days of the rash first appearing. That’s why it’s worth being seen promptly, rather than waiting to see if it gets worse. The NHS also says getting treatment as soon as possible reduces the risk of complications.

What a pharmacist can do

Shingles is one of the seven conditions covered by NHS Pharmacy First, for adults aged 18 and over. At MediPill, you can walk in or book. The pharmacist will look at the rash, ask when it started, and check your medical history and any medicines you take. Then they’ll:

Supply antiviral medicine if you need it.
Give advice on managing the pain and rash at home.
Refer you urgently to a GP or NHS 111 if you need a doctor, for example if the rash is near your eye.

Looking after shingles at home

The NHS suggests:

take paracetamol to ease pain
keep the rash clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection
wear loose-fitting clothing, and avoid rough fibres that irritate the skin
use a cool compress a few times a day (ice or frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel, or a wet cloth)
don’t let dressings or plasters stick to the rash

How long does shingles last?

The NHS says it can take up to 4 weeks for the rash to heal. Your skin can stay painful for weeks after the rash has gone, although it usually gets better over time. Sometimes the pain lasts for months, which is called post-herpetic neuralgia.

Can you spread shingles?

You can’t give someone shingles. But people who haven’t had chickenpox, or the chickenpox vaccine, can catch chickenpox from you, because shingles is caused by the same virus. You can only spread it while the rash is oozing fluid. The NHS advises:

staying off work or school if the rash is still weeping and can’t be covered, or until it has dried out
avoiding pregnant people who haven’t had chickenpox, people with a weakened immune system, and babies less than 1 month old

When to get urgent help

The NHS says to ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 if you have symptoms of shingles and:

you’re pregnant
you’re breastfeeding and the rash is on your breasts
the rash is on your eye or nose, or you have changes to your vision
you have a severely weakened immune system, for example from chemotherapy
you’re 17 or younger

Common questions

Can a pharmacist treat shingles? Yes, for adults aged 18 and over, through NHS Pharmacy First. The NHS says a pharmacist can give the same antiviral medicines as a GP.

What if it’s been more than 3 days? Still get advice. Antivirals usually need to start within 3 days, but a pharmacist can still help with pain and advice, and tell you if you need to see a GP.

Can I prevent shingles? A shingles vaccine is available, free on the NHS for some age groups and privately for others. Our guide to the shingles vaccine: NHS or private explains who qualifies.

Can I be seen at the weekend? Yes. Botley is open Saturdays 9 to 2, and Summertown and Deddington 9 to 12. Headington is closed at weekends.

Pharmacy First at MediPill

All four of our branches offer NHS Pharmacy First. Walk in, or book a slot so you’re seen without waiting:

MediPill Botley – 9 Westway Square, OX2 9TJ
Headington Pharmacy – 207 London Road, OX3 9JA
MediPill Summertown – 227 Banbury Road, OX2 7HQ
MediPill Deddington – The Studio, Hudson Street, OX15 0SW

More on the service is on our NHS Pharmacy First page. Questions first? Get in touch and a pharmacist will come back to you.

More Pharmacy First guides

Sources

Shingles – NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/shingles/ (accessed 23 September 2026)
How pharmacies can help – NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/how-pharmacies-can-help/ (accessed 23 September 2026)
Free NHS prescriptions – NHS Business Services Authority. https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/free-nhs-prescriptions (accessed 23 September 2026)

Sinusitis: do you need antibiotics? How a pharmacist can help

Sinusitis often turns up just as a cold should be clearing: your face aches around your cheeks and eyes, your nose is blocked, and bending over feels like your head’s full of pressure. It’s miserable, and it can drag on. The good news is that most sinus infections clear up by themselves, and a pharmacist can help you through it without a GP appointment.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. If you’re unsure what’s causing your symptoms, speak to a pharmacist.

The short answer

Sinusitis usually clears up on its own within 4 weeks, according to the NHS. Medicines can help if it’s taking a long time to go away.
Antibiotics are rarely needed. The NHS says sinusitis is usually caused by a virus, not bacteria.
A pharmacist can give the same treatments as a GP for sinusitis, for anyone aged 12 or over, through NHS Pharmacy First.
See a GP if you don’t improve after 7 days of treatment, or after 3 weeks of treating it yourself.

Is it sinusitis?

Sinusitis is swelling of the sinuses, the small spaces behind your cheekbones and forehead. It’s common after a cold or flu. The NHS lists the main symptoms as:

pain, swelling and tenderness around your cheeks, eyes or forehead
a blocked or runny nose
a reduced sense of smell
green or yellow mucus from your nose
a high temperature

You might also have a headache, toothache, bad breath, a cough, or a feeling of pressure in your ears.

Do you need antibiotics for sinusitis?

Usually not. Antibiotics only work against bacteria, and the NHS says sinusitis is usually caused by a virus. That’s why, in its words, you may rarely need antibiotics, and that isn’t common.

Green or yellow mucus on its own isn’t a sign you need them. It’s one of the normal symptoms of sinusitis.

How to treat sinusitis yourself

The NHS says you can usually treat mild sinusitis yourself by:

getting plenty of rest and drinking plenty of fluids
taking paracetamol or ibuprofen (don’t give aspirin to children under 16)
avoiding things that trigger your allergies
not smoking
cleaning your nose with a salt water solution

Salt water nose rinse (NHS method): boil about 570ml (1 pint) of water and let it cool. Mix in 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda. Wash your hands, then over a sink, sniff a little from your cupped palm into one nostril at a time, breathing through your mouth and letting it drain back out. Repeat up to 3 times a day, making a fresh solution each time.

What a pharmacist can do

Sinusitis is one of the seven conditions covered by NHS Pharmacy First, for anyone aged 12 or over. At MediPill, you can walk in or book. The pharmacist will ask about your symptoms, how long you’ve had them, your medical history and any medicines you take, and then:

Give you advice on easing it at home, which is enough for most people.
Supply treatment if you need it. The NHS says this may include a steroid nasal spray or drops to reduce the swelling, antihistamines if an allergy is behind it, or, rarely, antibiotics.
Refer you to a GP or NHS 111 if your symptoms need a doctor.

When to see a GP or call 111

The NHS says to see a GP if you, or a child, have sinusitis symptoms and:

you don’t get better after 7 days of treatment from a pharmacy or GP
you don’t get better after 3 weeks of treating symptoms yourself
you keep getting sinusitis
your child is aged 11 or younger

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 if:

you’re very unwell
painkillers don’t help or your symptoms get worse
you have a weakened immune system, for example because you’re having chemotherapy

Call 111 if you need advice for a child under 5.

Common questions

How long does sinusitis last? The NHS says it usually clears up on its own within 4 weeks. If it hasn’t improved after 3 weeks of treating it yourself, see a GP.

Can a pharmacist give antibiotics for a sinus infection? Yes, if you need them, for anyone aged 12 or over through Pharmacy First. But the NHS is clear that antibiotics are rarely needed for sinusitis.

My 10-year-old has sinusitis symptoms. Can you help? We can give advice, but Pharmacy First treatment for sinusitis is for ages 12 and over. The NHS advises seeing a GP for children aged 11 or younger.

Can I be seen at the weekend? Yes. Botley is open Saturdays 9 to 2, and Summertown and Deddington 9 to 12. Headington is closed at weekends.

Pharmacy First at MediPill

All four of our branches offer NHS Pharmacy First. Walk in, or book a slot so you’re seen without waiting:

MediPill Botley – 9 Westway Square, OX2 9TJ
Headington Pharmacy – 207 London Road, OX3 9JA
MediPill Summertown – 227 Banbury Road, OX2 7HQ
MediPill Deddington – The Studio, Hudson Street, OX15 0SW

More on the service is on our NHS Pharmacy First page. Questions first? Get in touch and a pharmacist will come back to you.

More Pharmacy First guides

Sources

Sinusitis (sinus infection) – NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sinusitis-sinus-infection/ (accessed 23 September 2026)
How pharmacies can help – NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/how-pharmacies-can-help/ (accessed 23 September 2026)
Free NHS prescriptions – NHS Business Services Authority. https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/free-nhs-prescriptions (accessed 23 September 2026)

Child’s earache or ear infection? What a pharmacist can do

Earache often arrives at the worst time: a child who was fine at teatime is crying and pulling at their ear by bedtime. Ear infections are very common in children, and most get better on their own. But if you want your child checked, you don’t necessarily need a GP appointment. A pharmacist can now assess and treat earache in children and teenagers on the NHS.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. If you’re worried about your child, get them checked.

The short answer

Most ear infections clear up within 3 days, according to the NHS, although symptoms sometimes last up to a week.
A pharmacist can give children aged 1 to 17 the same treatments as a GP for an ear infection, through NHS Pharmacy First.
Babies under 12 months with a suspected ear infection should see a GP.
Adults with earache aren’t covered by Pharmacy First. At our Summertown and Botley branches, we offer a £35 earache and ear infection assessment.

Signs of an ear infection

The NHS lists symptoms that usually start quickly, including:

pain inside the ear (earache)
a high temperature
difficulty hearing
discharge running out of the ear
a feeling of pressure or fullness inside the ear

Young children and babies may also rub or pull at their ear, not react to some sounds, be irritable or restless, be off their food, or keep losing their balance.

What you can do at home

The NHS suggests:

give paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain (children under 16 shouldn’t take aspirin)
wipe away any discharge with cotton wool
don’t put anything in the ear, like cotton buds or fingers
keep water and shampoo out of the ear, and avoid swimming while it’s infected

The NHS also says not to use decongestants or antihistamines, because there’s no evidence they help with ear infections.

What a pharmacist can do

Earache is one of the seven conditions covered by NHS Pharmacy First, for children and young people aged 1 to 17. At MediPill, you can walk in or book. The pharmacist will ask about the symptoms and how long they’ve had them, may look in the ear with an otoscope (a small light with a magnifier), and check their medical history and any medicines they take. Then they’ll:

Give advice on easing the pain, which is often all that’s needed because most ear infections get better on their own.
Supply treatment if it’s needed. The NHS says this can include antibiotic tablets or eardrops, antifungal or steroid eardrops, or painkilling eardrops.
Refer you to a GP or NHS 111 if your child needs a doctor.

Cost: the consultation is free on the NHS. If your child is given a medicine, the standard NHS prescription charge applies unless they get free prescriptions. Children under 16 always do, and so do 16 to 18 year olds in full-time education, so for most children any medicine is free too.

Adults with earache

Pharmacy First doesn’t cover earache in adults. The NHS says to see a GP if you have earache that doesn’t get better after 3 days. If you’d like it looked at sooner, our Summertown and Botley branches offer a £35 earache and suspected ear infection assessment, where we can assess it and, where appropriate, treat it, with no GP appointment.

If your ear feels blocked rather than painful, it could be ear wax. Our guide to ear wax removal and blocked ears explains what to do.

When to see a GP or call 111

The NHS says to see a GP if:

your child is under 12 months old and you think they have an ear infection
you have earache that doesn’t get better after 3 days
you or your child keep getting ear infections

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 if you or your child have ear infection symptoms and:

feel generally unwell, or have a very high temperature, or feel hot, cold or shivery
have swelling around the ear, or fluid coming out of it
have a change in hearing or new hearing loss
feel sick or are being sick, feel dizzy, or have a severe sore throat
your child is under 12 months old and has earache in both ears
have diabetes, or a heart, lung, kidney or neurological condition, or a weakened immune system

Call 111 if you need advice for a child under 5.

Common questions

Can a pharmacist treat an ear infection? Yes, for children and young people aged 1 to 17, through NHS Pharmacy First. The NHS says a pharmacist can give children the same treatments as a GP.

Does an ear infection need antibiotics? Often not. The NHS says most ear infections clear up within 3 days. A pharmacist will only supply antibiotics if your child needs them.

How can I help prevent ear infections? The NHS suggests making sure your child has had all their childhood vaccinations, keeping them away from smoky places, not giving a dummy after 6 months, and not putting cotton buds or fingers in their ears.

Can I be seen at the weekend? Yes. Botley is open Saturdays 9 to 2, and Summertown and Deddington 9 to 12. Headington is closed at weekends.

Pharmacy First at MediPill

All four of our branches offer NHS Pharmacy First. Walk in, or book a slot so you’re seen without waiting:

MediPill Botley – 9 Westway Square, OX2 9TJ
Headington Pharmacy – 207 London Road, OX3 9JA
MediPill Summertown – 227 Banbury Road, OX2 7HQ
MediPill Deddington – The Studio, Hudson Street, OX15 0SW

More on the service is on our NHS Pharmacy First page. Questions first? Get in touch and a pharmacist will come back to you.

More Pharmacy First guides

Sources

Ear infections – NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ear-infections/ (accessed 23 September 2026)
How pharmacies can help – NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/how-pharmacies-can-help/ (accessed 23 September 2026)
Free NHS prescriptions – NHS Business Services Authority. https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/free-nhs-prescriptions (accessed 23 September 2026)

Do you need antibiotics for a sore throat? What a pharmacist can do

A sore throat can knock you out for a few days: it hurts to swallow, you feel run down, and by day two or three it’s tempting to think you need antibiotics to shift it. Most of the time, you don’t. But sometimes a pharmacist can help more than you’d expect, and without a GP appointment.

Here’s what actually helps, when antibiotics come into it, and when to get medical help.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. If you’re worried about your symptoms, speak to a pharmacist.

The short answer

Most sore throats are caused by viruses, like colds or flu, and get better on their own within a week.
Antibiotics usually won’t help. The NHS says you don’t normally need them for a sore throat, because they won’t usually relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery.
A pharmacist can assess you under NHS Pharmacy First if you’re aged 5 or over. If you could have a bacterial infection, they can give the same antibiotic treatment as a GP.
Call 999 if someone has difficulty breathing, can’t swallow or is drooling.

Why antibiotics usually aren’t the answer

Sore throats are usually caused by viruses, like a cold or flu, or by smoking. The NHS says they’re only very occasionally caused by bacteria. Antibiotics only work on bacteria, so for most sore throats they do nothing for the pain and don’t make it go away any faster.

Taking them when they won’t help still carries the side effects, and it makes antibiotics less likely to work when you really need them. That’s why, as the NHS puts it, you’ll only be given antibiotics by a pharmacist or GP if you could have a bacterial infection.

What helps a sore throat

The NHS suggests these to soothe a sore throat and shorten how long it lasts:

gargle with warm, salty water: half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, then spit it out (children shouldn’t try this)
drink plenty of water
eat cool or soft foods
suck ice cubes, ice lollies or hard sweets (but not young children, because of the risk of choking)
avoid smoking and smoky places
rest

A pharmacist can also recommend things to ease the pain, such as:

paracetamol or ibuprofen (don’t give aspirin to children under 16)
medicated lozenges containing a local anaesthetic, antiseptic or anti-inflammatory medicine
anaesthetic throat sprays, although the NHS says there’s little proof they help on their own

Some of these aren’t suitable for everyone, for example if you’re pregnant, so it’s worth asking before you buy.

Sore throat or tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils, at the sides of your throat. The NHS says it can feel like a bad cold or flu, with red, swollen tonsils. Other signs can include problems swallowing, a high temperature, swollen glands in your neck, and pus-filled spots or white patches on your tonsils.

Like most sore throats, tonsillitis is usually caused by a virus and usually gets better on its own after 3 to 4 days, although it can last longer.

Sore throat and ear pain

It’s common to have both. Earache is one of the symptoms of tonsillitis listed by the NHS, and a sore throat can make your ears feel sore too.

If your child aged 1 to 17 has earache, that’s also covered by Pharmacy First. If you’re an adult with earache that isn’t getting better, or you’re worried, speak to a pharmacist or GP.

What happens at the pharmacy

Sore throat is one of the seven conditions covered by NHS Pharmacy First, for anyone aged 5 or over. You don’t need a GP appointment.

At MediPill, you can walk in or book. The pharmacist will ask about your symptoms and how long you’ve had them, look at your throat, and check your medical history and any medicines you take. Then they’ll either:

Give you advice and recommend over-the-counter treatment, which is the outcome for most sore throats.
Supply antibiotics if you could have a bacterial infection and need them.
Refer you to a GP, NHS 111 or urgent care if your symptoms need a doctor.

When to see a GP, call 111 or call 999

The NHS says to see a GP if:

your child is under 5 and needs help for a sore throat
a sore throat doesn’t improve after a week
you often get sore throats
you have a sore throat with a lump in your mouth or neck, or a mouth ulcer that lasts more than 3 weeks

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 if you or your child have a sore throat and:

you’re worried about your symptoms
you have a very high temperature, or feel hot, cold or shivery
you have signs of dehydration, like peeing less than usual or dark, strong-smelling pee
you have a weakened immune system, for example because of diabetes or chemotherapy

The NHS tonsillitis page also says to get help from NHS 111 if you have pus-filled spots on your tonsils, or a sore throat so painful it’s difficult to eat or drink.

Call 999 or go to A&E if you or your child:

have difficulty breathing or can’t swallow
are drooling, which can be a sign of not being able to swallow
are making a high-pitched sound when breathing
have severe symptoms that are getting worse quickly

Rarely, tonsillitis can lead to an abscess called quinsy. The NHS says swelling inside the mouth and throat, difficulty speaking or opening your mouth, and a severe sore throat that quickly gets worse are signs of it, and need 999 or A&E.

Common questions

Do I need antibiotics for a sore throat? Usually not. Most sore throats are caused by viruses and get better on their own within a week. A pharmacist or GP will only give antibiotics if you could have a bacterial infection.

Can a pharmacist give antibiotics for a sore throat or tonsillitis? Yes, if you’re aged 5 or over and need them, through NHS Pharmacy First. The NHS says a pharmacist can give the same antibiotic treatment for a sore throat as a GP.

How long does a sore throat last? The NHS says sore throats normally get better by themselves within a week, and tonsillitis usually within 3 to 4 days. If yours isn’t improving after a week, see a GP.

My child is 3 and has a sore throat. Can you help? We can give advice, but Pharmacy First treatment for a sore throat is for ages 5 and over. The NHS advises seeing a GP for children under 5 who need help for a sore throat.

Can I be seen at the weekend? Yes. Botley is open Saturdays 9 to 2, and Summertown and Deddington 9 to 12. Headington is closed at weekends.

Pharmacy First at MediPill

All four of our branches offer NHS Pharmacy First. Walk in, or book a slot so you’re seen without waiting:

MediPill Botley – 9 Westway Square, OX2 9TJ
Headington Pharmacy – 207 London Road, OX3 9JA
MediPill Summertown – 227 Banbury Road, OX2 7HQ
MediPill Deddington – The Studio, Hudson Street, OX15 0SW

More on the service is on our NHS Pharmacy First page. Questions first? Get in touch and a pharmacist will come back to you.

More Pharmacy First guides

Sources

Sore throat – NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/sore-throat/ (accessed 23 September 2026)
Tonsillitis – NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tonsillitis/ (accessed 23 September 2026)
How pharmacies can help – NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/how-pharmacies-can-help/ (accessed 23 September 2026)
Free NHS prescriptions – NHS Business Services Authority. https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/free-nhs-prescriptions (accessed 23 September 2026)

Is my insect bite infected? Signs, treatment and when to see a pharmacist

Most insect bites are a nuisance for a day or two and then fade. But every summer we see bites that have gone the other way: bigger, hotter and more painful by the day, sometimes weeping. That’s usually the point where people start wondering whether it’s infected, and whether they need a GP.

Here’s how to tell, what you can do at home, and what a pharmacist can do for you under the NHS.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. If you’re worried about a bite, get it looked at.

The short answer

Normal bites cause a small, swollen, itchy or painful lump that usually gets better in a few days.
An infected bite tends to get worse instead: the skin around it feels hot and looks red, it becomes more painful and swollen, and there may be pus or fluid coming out.
A pharmacist can help anyone aged 1 or over with an infected bite, through NHS Pharmacy First. The NHS says they can give the same antibiotics as a GP if the bite is infected. No GP appointment needed.
Call 999 if there are signs of a serious allergic reaction, like swelling of the lips, mouth or throat, or difficulty breathing.

How can you tell if an insect bite is infected?

The NHS lists the signs to look for. See a pharmacist if you, or your child aged 1 or over, have a bite or sting and:

the skin around it feels hot when you touch it, or looks red (redness can be harder to see on brown and black skin)
it’s painful
the area looks swollen
there’s pus or fluid coming out of it

A normal bite can be red, itchy and a little swollen too, so the key thing is the direction it’s going. A bite that’s settling is fine. A bite that’s getting hotter, more swollen and more painful after the first day or two needs looking at.

Which bites are most likely to get infected?

Any bite can become infected, usually because it’s been scratched and bacteria get into the broken skin. The NHS singles out horsefly bites, which are large, painful and may bleed, and often become infected.

Scratching is the most common cause we see. The NHS advice is simple: don’t scratch, because the bite could get infected.

What you can do at home

If something’s been left in your skin, remove it first. For a bee or wasp stinger, the NHS says to scrape it out sideways with a fingernail or the edge of a bank card, rather than using tweezers, which can squeeze more venom in. For a tick, use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool, grip it as close to the skin as you can, and pull slowly upwards without squeezing it.

Then, for the bite itself, the NHS suggests:

wash the area with soap and water
hold an ice pack wrapped in a cloth, or a cold wet cloth, on it for at least 20 minutes if it’s swollen
keep it raised if you can
take paracetamol or ibuprofen if it’s painful
use antihistamines for itching, and a hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching and swelling
don’t scratch it, and don’t use home remedies like bicarbonate of soda

A pharmacist can recommend the right antihistamine or cream for you, including for children.

What a pharmacist can do: NHS Pharmacy First

Infected insect bites are one of the seven conditions covered by NHS Pharmacy First, for anyone aged 1 or over. It means you can be assessed and treated at a pharmacy, without a GP appointment.

At MediPill, you can walk in or book. The pharmacist will look at the bite, ask how it happened and how it’s changed, and check your medical history and any medicines you take. Then they’ll either:

Give you advice and recommend over-the-counter treatment, if it’s inflamed but not infected.
Supply antibiotics if the bite is infected and they’re needed.
Refer you to a GP, NHS 111 or urgent care if it needs a doctor.

Most bites don’t need antibiotics, even when they’re sore and swollen. That’s why an assessment is worth it: you get antibiotics when they’ll actually help.

When to see a GP, call 111 or call 999

The NHS says to see a GP if:

a baby under 1 has an insect bite or sting
you think you or your child have been bitten by a tick and have flu-like symptoms, or a round or oval rash that may look like a bullseye (this can be a sign of Lyme disease)

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 if you’ve been bitten or stung and:

your symptoms get worse or aren’t getting better
you were stung in your mouth or throat, or near your eyes
you have tummy pain and are being sick
you feel dizzy or lightheaded
you have a high temperature and swollen glands
you were stung more than once
you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to a bite or sting before

Call 999 if:

your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly swell
you’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe
your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale
you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
someone faints and can’t be woken, or a child is limp, floppy or not responding normally

These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction.

Can an infected bite turn into cellulitis?

Yes. Cellulitis is an infection of the deeper layers of the skin, and the NHS lists insect bites as one of the ways bacteria can get in. The skin becomes painful, hot and swollen, and you may feel generally unwell with flu-like symptoms.

The NHS says to ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 if your skin is painful, hot and swollen, because early treatment can stop cellulitis getting more serious. If you’re not sure whether a bite has reached that point, a pharmacist can take a look and tell you where to go.

Bites abroad

Some bites carry other risks. The NHS points out that mosquitoes can spread malaria in certain parts of the world, and ticks can spread Lyme disease. If you’re travelling somewhere with malaria, ask about malaria tablets before you go.

Common questions

What is the treatment for an infected insect bite? It depends on how bad it is. Mild inflammation usually settles with cold compresses, antihistamines and a hydrocortisone cream. If the bite is infected, a pharmacist can assess it under Pharmacy First and supply antibiotics if they’re needed.

Can a pharmacist give antibiotics for an infected bite? Yes, for anyone aged 1 or over, through NHS Pharmacy First. The NHS says pharmacists can give the same antibiotics as a GP if a bite or sting is infected.

How long does an insect bite take to heal? The NHS says most bites and stings get better within a few days. If yours is getting worse or isn’t improving, get it checked.

My child has an infected bite. Can you help? Yes, if they’re aged 1 or over. Bring them in to any of our branches. For a baby under 1, the NHS advises seeing a GP.

Can I get it seen at the weekend? Yes. Botley is open Saturdays 9 to 2, and Summertown and Deddington 9 to 12. Headington is closed at weekends.

Pharmacy First at MediPill

All four of our branches offer NHS Pharmacy First. Walk in, or book a slot so you’re seen without waiting:

MediPill Botley – 9 Westway Square, OX2 9TJ
Headington Pharmacy – 207 London Road, OX3 9JA
MediPill Summertown – 227 Banbury Road, OX2 7HQ
MediPill Deddington – The Studio, Hudson Street, OX15 0SW

More on the service is on our NHS Pharmacy First page. Questions first? Get in touch and a pharmacist will come back to you.

More Pharmacy First guides

Sources

Insect bites and stings – NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/insect-bites-and-stings/ (accessed 23 September 2026)
Cellulitis – NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cellulitis/ (accessed 23 September 2026)
How pharmacies can help – NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/how-pharmacies-can-help/ (accessed 23 September 2026)
Free NHS prescriptions – NHS Business Services Authority. https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/free-nhs-prescriptions (accessed 23 September 2026)

Can a pharmacist give you antibiotics for a UTI? How NHS Pharmacy First works

If you’ve had a urine infection before, you know the feeling the moment it starts: the burning, the constant need to go, the sense that it’s only going to get worse. And the first question is usually how fast you can get it treated, especially if the GP surgery can’t see you until next week.

For many women, the answer is now: at a pharmacy, today. Here’s how it works, who it’s for, and when you should see a GP instead.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. If you’re unsure whether it’s a urine infection, speak to a pharmacist.

The short answer

Yes, if you’re a woman aged 16 to 64. Under the NHS Pharmacy First service, a pharmacist can assess your symptoms and, if you need it, give you treatment without a GP appointment. The NHS says a pharmacist can give the same medicines as a GP to treat a UTI.
It’s not for everyone. It doesn’t cover men, anyone under 16 or over 64, or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. The NHS says those groups should ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111.
Antibiotics aren’t always needed. The pharmacist might suggest self-care first, or waiting a short time to see if it clears. If you do need medicine, they can supply it there and then.
The consultation is free. If you’re given a medicine and you normally pay for prescriptions, the standard NHS prescription charge applies, just as it would at your GP.

What is Pharmacy First?

Pharmacy First is an NHS service that lets pharmacists treat seven common conditions without you seeing a GP first. According to the NHS, the conditions and age groups are:

urinary tract infections (UTIs), for women aged 16 to 64
sore throat, aged 5 and over
sinusitis, aged 12 and over
earache, aged 1 to 17
infected insect bites, aged 1 and over
impetigo, aged 1 and over
shingles, aged 18 and over

For each one, the pharmacist will offer advice or treatment, or refer you to a GP or another health professional if that’s what you need. They also update your GP health record, so your surgery knows what happened.

Who can get UTI treatment from a pharmacist?

The NHS says to see a pharmacist if you think you have a UTI and you’re a woman or girl aged 16 to 64 who isn’t pregnant or breastfeeding.

The usual signs of a UTI include:

pain or a burning feeling when you pee
needing to pee more often than usual, including at night
needing to pee suddenly or more urgently
pee that looks cloudy

Dark or strong-smelling pee on its own is often just a sign you haven’t been drinking enough water.

When to see a GP or call 111 instead

This part matters. The NHS says to ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 if you think you have a UTI and any of these apply:

you’re 65 or over, or it’s a child aged 15 or under
you’re a man
you’re pregnant
you have a very high or low temperature, feel hot and cold, or are shivering
you have pain in your lower tummy or your back, just under the ribs
you have blood in your pee
you have diabetes, a weakened immune system or a catheter
you keep getting UTIs (2 in 6 months, or 3 in 12 months)
your symptoms get worse quickly, or don’t improve within 48 hours of starting treatment

Some of these can be signs of a kidney infection, which needs treating promptly.

Call 999 or go to A&E if someone is confused, drowsy or having trouble speaking.

If any of these apply to you, we’ll still help you work out where to go. But it’s quicker to go straight to the right place.

What happens at the pharmacy?

You don’t need a GP referral. At MediPill, you can walk in or book, and you’ll be seen in a private consultation room.

The pharmacist will ask about your symptoms, how long you’ve had them, your medical history and any medicines you take. From there, they’ll do one of three things:

Give you self-care advice if your symptoms are mild and likely to settle on their own.
Supply treatment if you need it, including antibiotics where appropriate.
Refer you to a GP or NHS 111 if your symptoms need a doctor.

The NHS is clear that UTIs may be treated with antibiotics, but they’re not always needed. A good consultation means you get antibiotics when they’ll help, not by default. That also keeps them working for the times you really need them.

Does it cost anything?

The consultation is free on the NHS. If the pharmacist gives you a medicine, you pay the standard NHS prescription charge per item, the same as for a GP prescription, unless you normally get free prescriptions, for example because of your age, a medical exemption certificate or a prepayment certificate.

What you can do yourself

The NHS suggests these to ease the symptoms of a UTI:

take paracetamol up to 4 times a day for pain or a high temperature
rest, and drink enough fluids that you pass pale pee regularly
avoid drinks that can irritate your bladder, like fruit juice, coffee and alcohol

Cranberry products and cystitis sachets are popular. The NHS says there’s no evidence they ease symptoms or treat a UTI once it’s started.

Can you stop it coming back?

The NHS suggests:

wiping from front to back after going to the toilet
drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, so you pee regularly during the day
peeing as soon as you can after sex
keeping the genital area clean and dry

If you keep getting UTIs, see a GP rather than going round the pharmacy route each time. Recurrent UTIs need a proper look.

Common questions

Can a pharmacist prescribe antibiotics for a UTI? Under Pharmacy First, the pharmacist doesn’t need to write you a GP-style prescription. If you’re eligible and need treatment, they can supply it directly. The NHS says it’s the same medicines a GP would give.

Can I get antibiotics for a UTI without seeing a doctor? If you’re a woman aged 16 to 64 and not pregnant or breastfeeding, yes, through Pharmacy First, if the pharmacist thinks you need them. Otherwise, the NHS advises an urgent GP appointment or NHS 111.

What are the 7 Pharmacy First conditions? UTIs (women 16 to 64), sore throat, sinusitis, earache, infected insect bites, impetigo and shingles. Each has its own age range, listed above.

I’m 66 and think I have a UTI. Can a pharmacist help? Not with Pharmacy First treatment. The NHS says anyone aged 65 or over with UTI symptoms should ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111.

Can I get UTI treatment at the weekend? Yes, at any pharmacy offering Pharmacy First while it’s open. Our Botley branch is open Saturdays 9 to 2, and Summertown and Deddington 9 to 12. Headington is closed at weekends.

Will my GP know? Yes. The pharmacy updates your GP health record, and your information isn’t shared with anyone else.

Pharmacy First at MediPill

All four of our branches offer NHS Pharmacy First. Walk in, or book a slot so you’re seen without waiting:

MediPill Botley – 9 Westway Square, OX2 9TJ
Headington Pharmacy – 207 London Road, OX3 9JA
MediPill Summertown – 227 Banbury Road, OX2 7HQ
MediPill Deddington – The Studio, Hudson Street, OX15 0SW

More on the service, and booking, is on our NHS Pharmacy First page. Questions first? Get in touch and a pharmacist will come back to you.

More Pharmacy First guides

Sources

How pharmacies can help – NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/how-pharmacies-can-help/ (accessed 23 September 2026)
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) – NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-tract-infections-utis/ (accessed 23 September 2026)
NHS prescription charges – NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/nhs-prescription-charges/ (accessed 23 September 2026)
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