Winter can bring extra challenges when it comes to managing your medicines. Taking a few simple steps now can help you stay well throughout the winter months, avoid last-minute prescription requests, and ensure you have access to the support you need when you need it.
Stay on top of your prescriptions with the NHS App
The NHS App makes it easier to manage your healthcare and stay in control of your repeat prescriptions.
Using the NHS App, you can:
- Order repeat prescriptions without needing to contact your GP practice
- Check the status of your prescription requests
- Choose or change your nominated pharmacy
- View your health information in one secure place
Ordering your repeat prescriptions online can save time and help you avoid running out of important medicines, especially during busy periods such as Christmas and New Year.
Learn more about how to download and use the NHS App, including where to find local face-to-face support.
Learn more about the NHS AppBank holidays
GP practices and some pharmacy services may have reduced opening hours during bank holidays, so it is important to plan ahead. Check your medicine supplies regularly throughout the winter and order repeat prescriptions around a week before you need them. During the Christmas and New Year period, allow extra time for prescriptions to be processed and avoid waiting until you have completely run out of medicine before requesting more.
Severe weather can sometimes affect travel and access to healthcare services. Keeping an adequate supply of your regular medicines at home can help prevent unnecessary stress and ensure you have the treatment you need if conditions make it more difficult to collect a prescription at short notice.
Festive pharmacy opening hours
Many community pharmacies remain open across Norfolk and Suffolk during bank holidays and can provide advice, support and treatment for a range of minor illnesses.
A list of pharmacies open during the festive bank holidays will be published here closer to Christmas.
Remember, your local pharmacy can offer expert advice without the need for a GP appointment and may be able to provide treatment for common conditions.
What pharmacies can help withStoring medicines safely
Medicines work best when they are stored correctly.
Do
- Always follow the storage instructions on the label or packaging.
- Keep medicines out of sight and reach of children and pets.
- Store medicines in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Avoid keeping medicines in bathrooms, where heat and moisture can affect them.
- Keep medicines in their original packaging where possible.
- Check expiry dates regularly and safely return unwanted or out-of-date medicines to a pharmacy.
Please protect our environment
Never throw medicines into household rubbish or flush them down the toilet.
Medicines that need extra attention in cold weather
Very cold temperatures can affect how some medicines work and how they should be stored.
Insulin and some injectable medicines
Insulin and certain injectable medicines should not be allowed to freeze. Frozen medicines may not work properly even after they have thawed.
Inhalers
Cold weather can sometimes make inhalers less effective if they are stored in very low temperatures. Always follow the manufacturer’s storage instructions.
Medicines that can increase dehydration
Winter illnesses such as flu, sickness bugs and fever can increase the risk of dehydration. If you take medicines for conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes and become unwell, seek advice from a healthcare professional if you are unsure whether any changes are needed.
If you have questions about storing or taking your medicines during cold weather, speak to your pharmacist, GP practice or specialist care team.
Learn to spot the signs of dehydrationAntibiotics: why they don’t work for colds and flu
Many common winter illnesses, including colds, flu, most coughs and sore throats, are caused by viruses. Antibiotics do not work against viruses and will not help these illnesses get better.
Taking antibiotics when they are not needed can contribute to antimicrobial resistance. This happens when germs change over time and medicines become less effective, making infections harder to treat.
How to help keep antibiotics working for the future
Do
- Only take antibiotics prescribed for you by a healthcare professional.
- Always take them exactly as instructed.
- Complete the course unless you are told otherwise by a healthcare professional.
- Never share antibiotics with family members or friends.
- Never save leftover antibiotics for future illnesses.
- Return unused antibiotics to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
If you have a cold, flu or another seasonal virus, your pharmacist can advise on self-care treatments and over-the-counter remedies that may help relieve symptoms while your body recovers.
Learn more about antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistanceWhere to get help
If you have questions about your medicines, your local pharmacy is often the quickest place to get advice.
You can also:
- Use the NHS App to manage prescriptions and access health information.
- Contact your GP practice for advice about your regular medicines.
- Visit NHS 111 online or call 111 if you need urgent medical advice.
- Speak to your specialist care team if you take medicines for a long-term health condition.
A little preparation can go a long way. Planning ahead, ordering prescriptions in good time and using medicines safely can help you stay well throughout the winter.