With Christmas less than a month away, now is the perfect time to review the contents of your medicine cabinet.

A properly stocked medicine cabinet can help you to treat many common illnesses and ailments over the festive period.

We are urging everyone to make sure these items are on hand and say it will save you the worry if you need them over the coming months.

We are also advising that you make sure you have enough lateral flow tests at home to see you through the Christmas and new year period. You can order lateral flow tests online.

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society recommends you include the following in your medicine cabinet:

  • A first-aid kit, including bandages, plasters, a thermometer, antiseptic, eyewash solution, sterile dressings, medical tape for dressings and tweezers

  • Pain relief such as aspirin, paracetamol and ibuprofen for aches, pains and high temperatures

  • Oral rehydration salts to replace lost minerals and fluid after a fever or vomiting and diarrhoea

  • Anti-diarrhoea tablets to relieve symptoms of diarrhoea, although these will not help with the underlying cause

  • Antihistamines which can help with allergies

  • Indigestion relief remedies

Paul Fieldhouse, Clinical Director of Pharmacy at NCIC, is encouraging everyone to double check their supplies.

He said: “Many of us get a minor illness from time to time over the winter period and you’ll be relieved of suffering if you have a properly stocked medicine cabinet that helps you get back on your feet quickly.

“It is worth checking the medicines you have at home to make sure they are still appropriate and still in date.

“Remember your pharmacist is an expert who can advise you about any medications you have been prescribed which might affect your choice of product. We want you to enjoy this season so pop in to your local pharmacy where we're always on hand to help.

“Act now and save yourself that terrible feeling of having to drag yourself to the pharmacy when you’re feeling really poorly. Always be prepared.

“Having a good stock of lateral flow tests for your twice weekly testing is also crucial as you never know when you might need them!”

How a pharmacist can help you

Remember that a pharmacist can also help with many health conditions, such as coughs, colds, asthma, eczema, hay fever and period pain.

They can give advice or, where appropriate, medicines that can help clear up the problem.

Alternatively to booking an appointment with a GP, you can see a pharmacist any time – just walk in.

Learn more about how a pharmacist can help with treating common conditions.

Find your local pharmacy.