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Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can empower customers and pave the way for a sustainable healthcare future. By embracing OTC products, pharmacies can achieve greater freedom, stability, and enhanced profitability. In our exclusive interview with Anna Maxwell, founder and CEO of pioneering consumer healthcare company Maxwellia, we explore their game-changing pharmacy brands leading the way in self-care. Why pharmacies should embrace OTC medicines? There's never been a more critical time for pharmacies to lean into the OTC space. Right now, about 90 per cent of pharmacy income in the UK is tied to NHS funding-a model that's increasingly unsustainable.[1] We all value the NHS, but it simply can't afford to cover every treatment at the point of use indefinitely. If pharmacies could achieve even a modest shift in NHS reliance this would mean more freedom, stability, and profitability for the business. OTC medicines are the key to making that happen, offering a way to quickly provide, effective treatments that help customers while reducing the administrative and financial burdens on pharmacists.

Numark continues to expand its own-label OTC range as more and more customers seek affordable, trusted alternatives to branded products, driven by the cost-of-living crisis. The organisation has announced that it now offers the largest own label OTC range in the UK pharmacy wholesale market, available to independent pharmacy, with almost 300 products across multiple categories. In addition to growing its product offering, Numark has undertaken a full packaging re-design of all products to modernize the brand's look while enhancing consumer choice and value. Numark's own label range includes common OTC medicines like paracetamol, ibuprofen, loperamide and treatments for common ailments such as coughs, colds and allergies. They also offer a comprehensive range of vitamins, baby products, footcare, personal care, and health and beauty accessories. Jennifer Rann, head of OTC at Numark said: "We are incredibly proud to be the largest own label OTC offering in pharmacy wholesale. Our Numark product range provides quality and value for our UK members and their customers."

A PAGB report has emphasised the need to empower the public to practice self-care and improve access to over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to alleviate pressure on GPs and reduce NHS costs. Launched at the Labour Party Conference today, the PAGB's State of the Nation report explores the current state of self-care and OTC medicines. The report outlines 11 recommendations for the government to consider as part of its strategy to build an NHS fit for the future. It highlights that each year, at least 25 million GP appointments and 5 million A&E visits are used for self-treatable illnesses, which can be effectively managed through self-care. The report suggests that empowering individuals to utilise OTC medicines could save the NHS at least £1.7 billion per year in costs. Furthermore, it says that eliminating these appointments could save the economy an additional £350m per year, as employees would not need to take time off work for unnecessary treatments. PAGB welcomed the government's manifesto commitments to take pressure off GP surgeries by "improving access to services and treatment through new routes" and to expand the role of pharmacists.

Proprietary Association of Great Britain, PAGB - which represents manufacturers of branded over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, self-care medical devices and food supplements - on Tuesday (12 December) celebrated 40 years of reclassification of medicines. Expanding self-care for common ailments and minor injuries will not only help ease pressure on primary care services, but also provides significant potential savings for the NHS, the consumer healthcare association highlighted during the event. Nurofen (ibuprofen) and Imodium (loperamide) were the first medicines to go through Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)'s switch process in 1983 to make them available over the counter - OTC. Other reclassified medicines which were once available on prescription only include Voltarol (diclofenac dimethylammonium), Canesten (clotrimazole), Nexium (esomeprazole), Nicorette, Nicotinell and Niquitin (nicotine replacement therapies), Regaine (minoxidil), Viagra Connect (sildenafil), Cialis Together (tadalafil) for erectile dysfunction and Gina (estradiol hemihydrate) for the treatment of postmenopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness.

Approximately 25 million GP appointments and 5 million A&E visits are utilised each year for self-treatable illnesses. If these individuals chose to self-treat using over-the-counter (OTC) medications, the potential savings for NHS could amount to at least £1.7 billion annually, according to a research commissioned by Proprietary Association of Great Britain. The study, conducted by analysts at Frontier Economics, revealed that embracing self-care could bring an additional economic benefit of £350 million annually, as employees would avoid unnecessary time off from work for medical appointments. Apart from the savings resulting from the increased OTC medicine use, the report emphasises the potential benefits of reclassifying more prescription-only medications (POMs). A mere 5 per cent reduction in NHS prescribing levels and spending could lead to an annual cost-saving of £1.4 billion, encompassing both prescription costs and GP appointments, it said. "This substantial amount could greatly alleviate financial pressures on the NHS and offer essential resources for recruiting and training much-needed healthcare professionals."

On the occasion of World Sepsis Day, PAGB, the consumer healthcare association, has underscored the significant role that over-the-counter (OTC) antiseptics can play in preventing sepsis, potentially saving the NHS millions of pounds each year. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition where the body's immune system overreacts to an infection, causing damage to tissues and organs. Early recognition and treatment are crucial, as sepsis can rapidly escalate without prompt care. Symptoms of sepsis include confusion or slurred speech, fever, severe breathlessness, blotchy or mottled skin, and a lack of urination. PAGB emphasised that using OTC medicines early on can help prevent infections from worsening and potentially leading to serious conditions like sepsis. Michelle Riddalls, CEO of PAGB, stated: "Early prevention is always the best treatment for conditions that could potentially lead to sepsis. "If you don't get the right care for sepsis quickly it can be life-threatening so it's essential to seek immediate help if you or someone else has any symptoms.

We're delighted to announce that Pharmacy Business has become the new associate member at PAGB, the consumer healthcare association. This partnership is part of our commitment to bridging the gap between pharmacy contractors and OTC manufacturers. Through this partnership, we aim to foster stronger engagement and empower community pharmacists to embrace OTC medicines, food supplements and promote self-care and its benefits to their patients. On joining PAGB, Monica Bernal-Quiroz, associate publisher at Pharmacy Business, said: "Pharmacy Business is delighted to partner with PAGB to facilitate a platform where community pharmacies can embrace the full potential of OTC brands. At a time when NHS waiting times are at a record high, we believe that pharmacies can play a critical role in educating and supporting patients in self-care and the treatment of minor ailments, which will help free up GP appointments and hospital services."

Holland & Barrett, the UK's leading wellness retailer, has become the latest retailer regulatory member of PAGB, the consumer healthcare association. PAGB represents the manufacturers of branded over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, self care medical devices and food supplements in the UK. Holland & Barrett's decision to PAGB follows its recent introduction of a selected range of OTC and healthcare products in its stores across the UK. These include painkillers, cough and cold medicines, children's health essentials, hay fever relief, as well as skin and gastrointestinal products. With this expansion, the retailer aims to not only help customers to stay well, but also provide relief when needed.

The King's New Year Honours List 2025 has been announced, recognising unsung heroes who have made outstanding contributions to their communities across the UK. Over 1,200 individuals were honoured this year across various sectors, including healthcare, academia, sports, and voluntary service. Michelle Riddalls, CEO of PAGB - the Consumer Healthcare Association, has been awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for her exceptional work in advocating for the over-the-counter (OTC) medicines sector. She played a vital role during Brexit negotiations, ensuring continued access to OTC medicines in Northern Ireland and supporting self-care initiatives across the UK. Riddalls has provided oral evidence numerous times to the House of Lords Select Committee on the NI Protocol Bill and actively engaged with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) during the rollout of the Windsor Framework.

Bas Vorsteveld has been elected as the new president of PAGB, the trade association representing the manufacturers of branded OTC medicines, self care medical devices and food supplements. Vorsteveld, who is vice president and general Manager of Haleon GB and Ireland, succeeds Neil Lister, managing director UK & Ireland and vice president at Perrigo. PAGB said the appointment comes at a crucial time for the consumer healthcare association as it looks to expand the role of self-care, secure a long-term favourable business environment for members, adapt to environmental challenges and continue to deliver excellent services for members. "We are so pleased to welcome Bas to the role of President. Bas has been actively involved with PAGB as a board member and we're looking forward to continuing our work with him. I have already seen from Bas's time on our Board that he combines great sector knowledge with drive, energy and genuine passion for what we do and we're so excited to have him as our President," Michelle Riddalls, chief executive of PAGB, said. "Bas's input and guidance as our strategy evolves over the coming years will be vital as we respond to new challenges as they emerge and make the most of the opportunities ahead."

Brits are increasing relying on over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to prevent or treat common ailments, as the 'care at home trend' has become prominent amongst UK households following the COVID-19 pandemic. Almost three-quarters of Brits (71 per cent) now choose to treat minor ailments at home rather than visit their GP or pharmacist, according to new research. The self-care message promoted by the government and NHS during the pandemic has led to a new generation of consumers who continue to take control of their own health and treat minor ailments themselves. Additionally, the research, commissioned by Lanes Health, revealed that public awareness about preventative treatment has increased, with 70 per cent of Brits claiming that they do their best to prevent the spread of common illnesses since the pandemic.

Over the last few years, we've seen the aftermath of Covid-19, with the demand for consumer health products being unprecedented and unpredictable, placing pressure on supply chains and labour market. In turn, the industry has experienced acute shortages across the healthcare sector, placing huge pressure on pharmacists, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Europe has an estimated shortage of around 50,000 public-sector doctors[1], which is set to increase in the coming years. While this shortage stems from several complex problems, there is a hidden force that could play a key part in helping to alleviate this burden. That force is the potential of self-care. Encouragingly, last month the UK government recognised the unique role that self-care can play through the introduction of its Delivery plan for recovering access to primary care. Through this, it has pledged to empower patients to manage their own health through several commitments, including improving accessibility to online tools and reclassifying medicines to make formerly prescribed options available over the counter.