NHS Pharmacy First Approved List Updated April 2025
Published: 03/04/25
The approved list of products for the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland Service has been updated from the 1st April 2025.
Changes made in this edition:
Update to Section 10 Skin to amend NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s emollient choices to:
Zerobase cream, 50 g & 500 g pack sizes
Zerodouble gel, 100 g & 500 g pack sizes
Cetraben Lotion, 200 ml & 500 ml pack sizes
White Soft Paraffin 50%/Liquid Paraffin 50%, 500 g pack size
Zeroderm ointment, 500 g pack size
Hydromol bath and shower emollient, 350 ml, 500 ml & 1000 ml pack sizes
Changes made in previous editions to be aware of:
In the 1 June 2024 Edition, a change was made to Section 2.2 Cough to remove Simple linctus paediatric sugar free and Simple Linctus sugar free, all pack sizes.
This removal was following advice from Area Drugs and Therapeutics Committees Collaborative (ADTCC). Lack of clinical evidence of effectiveness means they cannot support the continued inclusion of these products as treatments available on the NHS, in line with prescribing guidance across the country.
Patients presenting with symptoms of a cough can obtain background information on coughs and their clinical management at NHS Inform here If the patient subsequently requires further support, they can still access NHS Pharmacy First Scotland consultations for advice and/or referral where appropriate.
The Scottish Government has published its NHS Operational Improvement Plan, which describes how the commitments outlined in the First Minister’s January speech will be delivered. In his speech, First Minister John Swinney announced plans to make it easier for people to see a first point of contact with the NHS, for example a community pharmacist. The Operational Improvement Plan states that the Scottish Government will further expand the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland service, enabling community pharmacists to treat a greater number of clinical conditions.