Learn more about the Common Conditions Service at Your Local Pharmacy.

When you’re feeling unwell, getting the right advice and treatment quickly can make all the difference. And for some everyday health concerns, you may no longer need to wait for a GP appointment.

The Common Conditions Service is a pharmacy healthcare service in Ireland that allows specially trained pharmacists to assess and treat eight common health conditions. Where clinically appropriate, your pharmacist may also be able to prescribe the medication you need.

At Your Local Pharmacy, we believe healthcare should be professional, convenient and accessible. Your local pharmacist is often one of the easiest healthcare professionals to speak to, making the Common Conditions Service another important way we can support you and your family.

What Is the Common Conditions Service?

The Common Conditions Service allows trained community pharmacists in Ireland to provide a structured consultation for eight specified common health conditions.

Depending on your symptoms and individual circumstances, your pharmacist can:

• Assess your symptoms
• Discuss your medical history and current medication
• Provide professional healthcare advice
• Recommend appropriate self-care
• Recommend or supply suitable over-the-counter treatments
• Prescribe certain prescription medicines when clinically appropriate
• Refer you to your GP or another healthcare professional when necessary

The aim is simple: to make it easier for people to access appropriate healthcare for common conditions within their local community.

What Conditions Can Your Pharmacist Treat?

The Common Conditions Service currently covers eight conditions:

1. Allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis
2. Cold sores
3. Conjunctivitis
4. Impetigo
5. Oral thrush
6. Shingles
7. Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI/cystitis)
8. Vaginal thrush

Here’s what you need to know about each one.

1. Allergic Rhinitis & Allergic Conjunctivitis

If spring and summer mean sneezing, itchy eyes and a constantly runny nose, you could be experiencing allergic rhinitis – commonly associated with hay fever.

Allergic rhinitis happens when your immune system reacts to allergens such as pollen, dust mites or animal dander.

Common symptoms include:

• Sneezing
• Runny or blocked nose
• Itchy nose or throat
• Red, watery or itchy eyes
• Nasal congestion

Allergic conjunctivitis can also occur when allergens affect the eyes.

Your pharmacist can assess your symptoms and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Depending on your individual needs, this may include antihistamines, nasal treatments or eye drops.

Don’t simply struggle through allergy season. Speak to the team at Your Local Pharmacy for professional advice on managing your symptoms.

2. Cold Sores

Cold sores are small fluid-filled blisters that normally develop around the lips and mouth. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus and can return from time to time.

Before the blister appears, you may notice:

• Tingling
• Itching
• Burning
• Tenderness around the affected area

Cold sores often heal naturally, but starting suitable treatment early may help manage symptoms.

Your pharmacist can assess your symptoms, advise on treatment and explain how to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others.

If you regularly experience cold sores, it can also be useful to recognise your early warning signs so that you can seek advice as soon as symptoms begin.

3. Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the thin layer covering the front of the eye.

Symptoms may include:

• Red or pink eyes
• Watery eyes
• Gritty or uncomfortable sensation
• Itching
• Sticky discharge
• Eyelids sticking together after sleeping

There are different causes of conjunctivitis, so getting the correct assessment is important.

Your pharmacist can assess your symptoms and determine whether treatment through the Common Conditions Service is suitable.

If you experience significant eye pain, changes in vision, severe light sensitivity or other concerning eye symptoms, you may require further medical assessment.

4. Impetigo

Impetigo is a contagious bacterial skin infection. Although it is particularly common in young children, adults can get it too.

It can cause red sores or blisters that burst and develop into crusty patches.

Because impetigo can spread easily through close contact and shared items such as towels, clothing and bedding, seeking advice early can help.

Your pharmacist can assess the affected area and determine whether treatment through the Common Conditions Service is appropriate.

Good hygiene is also important. Regular handwashing, avoiding scratching the affected area and not sharing towels can help reduce the risk of spreading the infection.

5. Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida in the mouth.

Symptoms can include:

• White patches inside the mouth
• Redness
• Soreness
• An unpleasant taste
• Cracks around the corners of the mouth
• Discomfort when eating or drinking

There are several factors that can contribute to oral thrush.

For example, some people may experience it after taking antibiotics. People using certain steroid inhalers can also be more susceptible.

Your pharmacist can assess your symptoms and advise whether treatment through the Common Conditions Service is appropriate.

If you use a steroid inhaler, rinsing your mouth after use is one simple step that can help reduce the likelihood of oral thrush.

6. Shingles

Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the virus responsible for chickenpox.

It often begins with unusual sensations in an area of skin before a rash develops.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain or burning
• Tingling
• Increased skin sensitivity
• Itching
• A rash with clusters of blisters
• Headache
• Feeling generally unwell

The rash often develops on one side of the body.

Why is early treatment important?

If you think you may have shingles, speak to a healthcare professional promptly.

Some treatments for shingles are most effective when started early, making timely assessment particularly important.

Your pharmacist can assess your symptoms and determine whether pharmacy treatment is appropriate or whether you need further medical attention.

Shingles involving the face or eye area, or certain other symptoms, may require urgent medical assessment.

7. Uncomplicated UTI / Cystitis

Urinary tract infections are extremely common, particularly among women.

A lower urinary tract infection affecting the bladder is commonly known as cystitis.

Typical symptoms include:

• Burning or stinging when urinating
• Needing to urinate more frequently
• Suddenly needing to urinate
• Passing small amounts of urine
• Lower abdominal discomfort

Under the Common Conditions Service, pharmacists can assess eligible women aged 16 to 64 who have symptoms consistent with an uncomplicated lower UTI.

Your pharmacist will ask questions about your symptoms and medical history to determine whether treatment through the pharmacy is appropriate.

When might a UTI need further medical attention?

Not every urinary infection is an uncomplicated UTI.

Symptoms such as fever, pain in your back or side, vomiting, feeling significantly unwell or recurrent infections may require further medical assessment.

If you’re unsure, speak to your pharmacist. They can help determine the most appropriate next step.

8. Vaginal Thrush

Vaginal thrush is a common fungal infection caused by Candida.

Typical symptoms can include:

• Vaginal itching
• Irritation
• Soreness
• White vaginal discharge
• Discomfort during urination or sex

Although thrush is common, similar symptoms can sometimes be caused by other conditions.

That is why your pharmacist will ask you some questions before recommending or prescribing treatment.

Under the Common Conditions Service, eligible women aged 16 to 60 can be assessed for vulvovaginal thrush.

If your symptoms are unusual, keep returning or do not respond to treatment, your pharmacist may recommend further medical assessment.

What Happens During a Common Conditions Consultation?

Your pharmacist will carry out a structured clinical assessment to determine whether you are eligible for treatment through the service.

They may ask about:

• Your current symptoms
• When your symptoms started
• Previous episodes
• Existing medical conditions
• Current medications
• Allergies
• Previous treatments
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding, where relevant

It’s important to answer these questions accurately. They help your pharmacist determine which treatment is both appropriate and safe for you.

Your consultation can take place privately and confidentially, so you can discuss sensitive symptoms comfortably with your pharmacist.

Can Pharmacists Prescribe Medication in Ireland?

Yes.

One of the most important developments with the Common Conditions Service is that appropriately trained community pharmacists can prescribe certain medicines for the eight eligible conditions when clinically appropriate.

This does not mean that every consultation results in a prescription.

Depending on your assessment, your pharmacist may recommend:

• Self-care
• An over-the-counter medicine
• A prescription medicine
• Further assessment by your GP or another healthcare professional

The treatment recommendation will depend on your symptoms, eligibility and individual circumstances.

Who Can Use the Common Conditions Service?

Eligibility varies according to the condition.

Current age criteria include:

• Allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis: age 2+
• Infective conjunctivitis: age 6 months+
• Cold sores: age 1 month+
• Oral thrush: age 1 month+
• Impetigo: age 2 months+
• Shingles: adults aged 18+
• Uncomplicated cystitis: women aged 16–64
• Vulvovaginal thrush: women aged 16–60

Age is only one part of the assessment.

Your pharmacist will also consider your symptoms, medical history and other clinical factors before deciding whether treatment through the service is appropriate.

Why Choose Your Local Pharmacy?

Your community pharmacy is about much more than collecting prescriptions.

At Your Local Pharmacy, our aim is to make professional healthcare advice easily accessible when you need it.

The Common Conditions Service provides another convenient way to get help with everyday health concerns.

Accessible Healthcare

For an eligible condition, you may be able to speak directly to your pharmacist rather than waiting for a GP appointment.

Professional Advice

Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals who can assess symptoms, recommend treatment and identify when further medical assessment is needed.

Treatment When Appropriate

Depending on your consultation, your pharmacist may be able to recommend, supply or prescribe appropriate treatment.

Confidential Consultations

Health concerns can sometimes be difficult to discuss, particularly conditions such as cystitis or vaginal thrush.

Your pharmacy consultation provides an opportunity to discuss your symptoms privately and professionally.

Healthcare in Your Community

Your Local Pharmacy is there to support you with everyday healthcare advice, medicines and pharmacy services – right in your local community.

Common Conditions Service FAQs

What is the Common Conditions Service?

The Common Conditions Service allows specially trained pharmacists to assess and treat eight common health conditions. Where clinically appropriate, pharmacists may prescribe certain medicines.

Do I need to see my GP first?

No. Eligible patients can approach a participating pharmacy directly for assessment under the Common Conditions Service.

Can pharmacists prescribe antibiotics?

Where permitted under the relevant Common Conditions Service clinical protocol, a pharmacist can prescribe an appropriate prescription medicine if clinically necessary.

Antibiotics are not automatically needed for every infection or condition.

Can my pharmacist treat cystitis?

Eligible women aged 16–64 with symptoms of an uncomplicated lower UTI or cystitis can be assessed by a pharmacist under the Common Conditions Service.

Can pharmacists treat shingles?

Eligible adults aged 18 and over can be assessed for shingles. Early assessment is important, so contact your pharmacist promptly if you suspect shingles.

Can children use the Common Conditions Service?

Yes, for some conditions. The minimum age varies considerably depending on the condition, and other eligibility requirements also apply.

Will I definitely receive a prescription?

No. Your pharmacist will assess your symptoms first. The appropriate outcome could be self-care advice, an over-the-counter treatment, a prescription medicine or referral to another healthcare professional.

What if my pharmacist thinks my condition is more serious?

Your pharmacist will advise you about the appropriate next step and may refer you to your GP or another healthcare service.

Is there a fee?

Yes. A consultation fee applies to the Common Conditions Service, including for Medical Card holders. Your pharmacy will advise you of the cost before the consultation.

If medication is prescribed, eligible medicines may be covered according to your entitlement under the relevant HSE community drug scheme.

Your Health, Your Local Pharmacy

The Common Conditions Service represents an important step forward in making every day healthcare more accessible in Ireland.

For eight common conditions – allergic rhinitis, cold sores, conjunctivitis, impetigo, oral thrush, shingles, uncomplicated cystitis and vulvovaginal thrush – your local pharmacist may now be able to assess your symptoms and provide the treatment you need.

And importantly, if your symptoms require further investigation, your pharmacist can recognise when you should be referred to another healthcare professional.

At Your Local Pharmacy, we’re here to make looking after your health a little easier.

Think you may have one of the eight common conditions? Speak to the team at Your Local Pharmacy about the Common Conditions Service and find out whether pharmacist treatment is suitable for you.

Professional advice. Convenient care. Right in your local community.

 

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