Medicine Policies

Our Policies

• Opiate Policy

  In the UK opiates like codeine and dihydrocodeine are found not only in prescription medicines but also in over-the-counter medicines like Nurofen Plus, Solpadeiene and Paramol. This list is not exhaustive.  

  We recognise that opiates are a very useful class of drugs and when used correctly may provide excellent relief from occasional moderate pain.  For this reason, we will continue to sell these medicines “over the counter”.   This policy applies across all the PCT Healthcare Limited trading names which include Peak Pharmacy and TravelPharm.  Orders placed at different websites within our company still count toward your minimum order interval and maximum order amount.

  To minimise the risk of issues we use software checks to prevent sales of medicines of the same type, to limit the frequency of purchases and to limit the amount purchased.  These checks will also include other medicines that have recently been purchased like the sedating antihistamine Promethazine.

  We reserve the right to cancel any order where we suspect medication misuse, and would encourage anyone who suspects they may be suffering from an addiction to opiate painkillers to speak with their GP or contact FRANK on 0300 123 6600 for free confidential advice. Over-the-counter product licences permit a maximum of 3 days of consecutive use. This is to reduce the risk of opiate addiction.

  PCT Healthcare Limited reserves the right to cancel orders where we feel the medicine would be unsuitable.

• Sedatives Policy

  We are aware that from time to time we all suffer from sleeping difficulties. Whether this is due to a change in shift patterns, or a period of stress. This is why we assist customers struggling to sleep by selling popular over-the-counter sedating antihistamines like Nytol.

  Unfortunately, sedating antihistamines tend to be frequently misused.

  To ensure supplies made are appropriate, we have set below the minimum duration of time we expect between orders and the maximum amount that may be ordered.  In addition, we do not permit the sales of opiates and promethazine together due to the risk of potentially significant adverse events.

  To help us we use software to restrict sales of products by type, quantity and also frequency. We may also carry out identity checks on individuals ordering medicines to ensure we know who we are caring for. 

  If you find that you regularly need to take medicines to help you sleep you should speak to your GP and learn about lifestyle changes you can make to improve your sleep habits. The NHS has some great advice.

• Laxatives Policy

  We acknowledge that constipation can be an upsetting and uncomfortable experience, which is why we sell a variety of laxatives to help alleviate the symptoms of short-term constipation, including stimulant laxatives.

  The stimulant laxatives available to purchase contain bisacodyl, senna & sennosides. 

  Stimulant laxatives can be very effective but have the potential for abuse, overuse, and accidental misuse. It is inappropriate to use stimulant laxatives to treat long-term constipation without the advice of a doctor. Stimulant laxatives do not aid weight loss and must never be used for this purpose. Stimulant laxatives are intended for the short-tem relief of occasional constipation only. Anyone using a stimulant laxative for any other reason should speak with their GP.

  In adults, occasional constipation should be treated using dietary changes (increased fibrous foods), regular exercise and fluids. If this is ineffective, bulk-forming laxatives such as Fybogel (ispaghula husk) and osmotic laxatives such as lactulose should be tried, before moving on to stimulant laxatives.  We monitor the purchasing patterns of all consumers who buy laxatives, and while this policy is primarily aimed at stimulant laxatives we do monitor sales of others including but not limited to Lactulose and Docusate

  In children, a balanced diet, regular hydration, and behavioural interventions in combination with the osmotic laxative macrogol should be tried before stimulant laxatives. Stimulant laxatives are not available to purchase for children under 12 years of age and should only be used in this age group on the advice of a prescriber. Stimulant laxatives may only be supplied to children aged 12-17 years of age under the supervision of a pharmacist.

  Overuse of stimulant laxatives can be harmful due to the risk of fluid and electrolyte imbalance and disruption of intestinal function. Always use stimulant laxatives as your pharmacist directs and follow the dosage on the packaging. If you find you need stimulant laxatives regularly, or that you are using them for reasons other than short-term relief of constipation, you should speak to your GP.

• Online Clinic

   At Travelpharm, we offer a small selection of prescription-only medicines that are suitable for conditions that do not require regular monitoring, such as anti-malaria pills. We do not engage in the sale of prescription medicines that may be misused, such as opiates and steroids.

  To purchase one of our limited selection of prescription medicines, you will need to carefully read about each product before making a selection. After choosing your product, make sure you order the correct and appropriate quantity. You will then be asked to fill out a questionnaire, which will help us determine if the product is suitable for you. The more information you provide, the better.

  Our in-house pharmacist prescriber will review your questionnaire to determine suitability, rather than relying on a yes/no algorithm. You can find out which prescriber and responsible pharmacist is on duty by checking the footer link on every page.

  When you purchase a product and pay for it, it is considered an offer to buy. A contract is formed when you receive your order confirmation, but we reserve the right to terminate the contract if the purchase is unsuitable in the view of the prescriber, as stated in our terms and conditions. This allows us to ensure that your selection is appropriate for the condition you are treating/preventing. Our prescriber's decision is final, as medicines are not standard e-commerce products.

  If you made the wrong choice, don't worry. Our prescriber will review your consultation, and if there are any clinical problems that would make the product unsuitable, we will contact you via email, text or phone call. We believe that this provides a safer and more personal shopping experience than a simple yes/no questionnaire. Check out our great reviews on Trustpilot, and trust Travelpharm to ensure that you get the right medicine at the right price.