NHS England updated its policy guidance (in August 2023) on items which should not routinely be prescribed in primary care, because they are unsafe, ineffective for some for or all patients, or are not cost effective. The policy recommendation are grouped under two categories:
Items where no prescribing is appropriate (no exceptions apply)
Herbal Treatments and Homeopathy
Items where prescribing may be appropriate in some exceptional circumstances
Insulin Needles for pre-filled and reusable insulin pens
Oxycodone and Naloxone Combination Products (Taringact®)
Paracetamol and Tramadol Combination Products (Tramacet®)
Rubefacients (excluding topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and capsaicin)