Common Conditions Service
Overview
Common
Conditions
Service
Expert pharmacist advice and treatment for eight common conditions.
Click below to learn more.
Pharmacists can now provide expert healthcare advice and treatment, where appropriate, for eight common illnesses.
- Infective Conjunctivitis
- Cold Sores
- Impetigo
- Allergic rhinitis &
allergic conjunctivitis
- Vulvovaginal thrush
- Shingles
- Oral Thrush
- Uncomplicated urinary tract
infection (UTI) in women
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What is the Common Conditions Service ?
Our Common Conditions Service allows you to receive expert advice and treatment for eight everyday health conditions directly in the pharmacy.
If you think you or your child may have one of these conditions, simply visit the pharmacy for a private consultation with our pharmacist. During the consultation, the pharmacist will assess your symptoms in line with HSE-approved clinical guidelines. This includes advice on self-care, what to watch out for, and next steps if symptoms change or worsen.
Where appropriate, the pharmacist can prescribe and supply a limited range of prescription-only medicines without the need for a GP appointment. If your symptoms fall outside the service criteria, you will be advised on the most suitable next step and may be referred to another healthcare professional.
This service is designed to provide faster, more convenient access to safe, high-quality care from your local pharmacist.
Conditions Covered by the Common Conditions Service
Here is the list of common conditions included in the service, alongside the age criteria:
Allergic rhinitis & allergic conjunctivitis (2 years and over)
Cold sores (1 month and over)
Infective Conjunctivitis (6 months and over)
Impetigo (2 months and older)
Oral thrush (1 month and older)
Shingles (18 years and over)
Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) in women (16-64 years)
Vulvovaginal thrush (16-60 years)
Please note that additional eligibility criteria apply. If you are not eligible for treatment under this service, our pharmacist can still provide professional advice, recommend appropriate over-the-counter options, or refer you to another healthcare professional if needed.
How to access the Common Conditions Service
Walk-in Appointments – How It Works
Step 1
Simply call into the pharmacy and speak with a member of our pharmacy team. Let them know you would like advice for a common condition.
Step 2
A trained healthcare team member will take some brief details about you and your symptoms and arrange a consultation with the pharmacist.
Step 3
The pharmacist will carry out a consultation and advise on the most appropriate next steps based on your symptoms. This may include prescribing a suitable treatment where appropriate, recommending a pharmacy-only medicine, and providing practical self-care and safety advice.
Online Booking Appointments – Coming Soon
Online Booking Appointments – Coming Soon
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What is the fee for the service?
A pharmacist consultation fee of €30 applies to this service. If, following your consultation, the pharmacist determines that treatment is appropriate, they can prescribe a suitable medication where clinically indicated.
The cost of any prescribed medicine is not included in the consultation fee and will be charged separately.
What common conditions can our pharmacists help with?
Allergic rhinitis
+
Inflammation of the inside of the nose caused by an allergen. Symptoms can include sneezing, an itchy nose, and a blocked or runny nose.
Cold sores
+
Small painful blisters around the lips, often triggered by stress, illness, or sun exposure.
Conjunctivitis
+
Inflammation of the eye that can cause redness, irritation, watering, and discharge.
Impetigo
+
A contagious skin infection that may cause red sores or blisters that burst and form a honey-coloured crust.
Oral thrush
+
A yeast infection in the mouth that can cause creamy white patches, soreness, and difficulty eating.
Shingles
+
A painful rash caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus. Early treatment can help reduce severity.
Uncomplicated UTI in women
+
Symptoms can include burning when urinating, needing to pee more often, and lower tummy discomfort.
Vulvovaginal thrush
+
A common yeast infection that can cause itching, soreness, and discharge. Treatment options depend on symptoms and history.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get antibiotics for a Common Condition in the pharmacy?
After a consultation, the pharmacist will assess your symptoms and provide appropriate advice. Where clinically suitable, treatment may be recommended or prescribed, which can include an antibiotic if it is considered necessary and appropriate for your condition.
Is the Common Conditions Service free?
No. A fee applies for the pharmacist consultation, during which your symptoms will be assessed. If one of the included common conditions is identified, the pharmacist may recommend or prescribe suitable treatment where appropriate.
The cost of any prescribed or recommended medication is not included in the consultation fee and may be charged separately. Prescribed medicines may be dispensed under the Medical Card or Drugs Payment Scheme in the usual way, where eligible.
Can I get a prescribed medicine dispensed at a different pharmacy?
Yes. If the pharmacist issues a prescription, it can be sent to a pharmacy of your choice for dispensing, just like any other prescription. Please let the pharmacist know if you would prefer your prescription to be sent to another pharmacy.
* Consultations and treatment are provided following a clinical suitability assessment. This service is available in selected pharmacies only and is subject to the availability of a specially trained pharmacist during normal opening hours. Fees apply.
¥ Where eligible, medicines prescribed through this service may be supplied under the Medical Card or Drugs Payment Scheme in the usual way.
