Britons warned of inappropriate medicines danger

More than five million Britons could be putting their health in danger by consuming inappropriate hay fever medicines, a pharmacy body has warned.

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) has claimed that many of Britain’s 13 million hay fever sufferers misdiagnose their condition and do not use the correct treatment.

It urged those with pollen allergies to speak to their community pharmacist in order to ensure they are receiving safe and appropriate treatment.

David Pruce, RPSGB director of practice and quality improvement, explained that pharmacists are highly-trained individuals and can help manage the symptoms of allergic rhinitis with a host of different products.

“Pharmacists are well placed to advise on what is best for the individual. Pharmacists can help people recognise symptoms, identify allergy triggers and select appropriate products,” he added.

Recently the RPSGB described pharmacists as being ideally situated within communities to support and treat a range of conditions, including obesity.