This page explains drugs of low clinical value in Essex, why the NHS is reducing the routine prescribing of certain treatments, and what this means for patients. The NHS regularly reviews medicines to ensure treatments are safe, effective, and provide good value.
Sometimes, new clinical evidence shows that certain medicines offer limited benefit or that safer, more effective alternatives exist. When this happens, the NHS updates prescribing guidance. As a result, the NHS can use its resources more effectively to deliver the greatest benefit for patients.
What are drugs of low clinical value?
Drugs of low clinical value are treatments that the NHS does not routinely prescribe. This decision is based on strong clinical evidence. In most cases, these medicines offer limited benefit, carry greater risks, or have more effective alternatives.
Your GP, nurse, or pharmacist will usually recommend a different treatment. However, they may prescribe these medicines in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear clinical need.
Examples of medicines of low clinical value include:
- Co-proxamol
- Dosulepin
- Doxazosin modified-release
- Glucosamine and chondroitin
- Herbal treatments and homeopathic products
- Lutein and antioxidant supplements
- Omega-3 fatty acid supplements
- Oxycodone and naloxone combination products
- Paracetamol and tramadol combination products
- Perindopril arginine
- Rubefacients (topical pain relief creams)
- Trimipramine
- Minocycline
- Some bath and shower preparations for dry skin
- Silk garments
- Aliskiren
If you currently take one of these medicines, your healthcare professional will discuss suitable alternatives with you.
Why NHS prescribing guidance is changing
The NHS must use its resources carefully to provide safe and effective care for everyone. Prescribing medicines of low clinical value in Essex may:
- reduce access to more effective treatments
- increase the risk of side effects
- result in inconsistent care
- increase costs without improving patient outcomes
Therefore, reducing the use of low clinical value medicines helps ensure patients receive the safest and most effective treatment available.
What this means for patients
If you currently take a medicine of low clinical value, your GP or pharmacist may review your treatment. This review ensures your medicines remain safe and effective.
During a medicines review, your GP or pharmacist will:
- discuss your current treatment with you
- recommend safer or more effective alternatives if appropriate
- make any changes safely and gradually
- involve you in all decisions about your care
Your GP or pharmacist will always make changes safely. They will never ask you to stop a medicine suddenly without proper clinical guidance.
Questions to ask about your medicines
If your GP or pharmacist reviews your medicine, you may wish to ask:
- why they no longer recommend this medicine
- which alternative treatments could help you
- how you can manage your symptoms during the change
- whether you need to reduce your dose gradually
Your GP or pharmacist will explain the reasons for any changes and help you switch to the most appropriate treatment safely.
Where to get more information
If you have questions about medicines of low clinical value in Essex, speak to your GP practice or local pharmacist. They can explain your treatment options and provide personalised advice.
You can also visit the NHS website for national guidance on prescribing and medicines optimisation.
For local prescribing queries, please contact us.