Medicines: reclassify your product

Pharmacy (P), prescription-only (POM), and general sale list (GSL) medicines: apply to move your medicine to a different classification.

Further explanation is also available in the webinar recording, November 2024 MHRA Reclassification process for medicines in the UK

The legal classification of a pack of medicine determines the level of control over its supply. In part, classification rests on how much health professional input is needed to diagnose and treat the conditions for which the medicine might be used. Currently, there are 3 categories of medicine classification:

The fundamental principle guiding the classification of medicines is to optimise timely access to effective treatments while reducing the risk of harm from improper use.

Making medicines available over the counter: the trade-offs

The three legal categories are explained here, with examples of medicines in each of the categories. It also explains how the categories relate to the term over-the-counter (OTC) medicines.

Medicines classified as ‘prescription only’ can only be obtained with a valid prescription issued by an authorised health professional. The prescription needs to be taken to a pharmacy where the medicine is prepared under the supervision of a pharmacist. Sometimes the prescription is filled at a dispensing doctor’s surgery. A member of the public cannot buy a prescription-only medicine (POM).

A rectangular box enclosing the letters POM appears on the packs of prescription-only medicines.

In general, POMs are for conditions that are best diagnosed and managed by health professionals. Examples of prescription-only medicines include antibiotics and medicines for treating epilepsy.

People can buy products classified as ‘pharmacy medicines’ (P) but only from a pharmacy and in the presence of a pharmacist. These medicines, also called ‘pharmacy-only medicines’, are not usually displayed on open shelves. A rectangular box enclosing the letter P appears on the packaging of pharmacy medicines.