Up to 34 extra medicines which were only available to Irish patients if they had a prescription, could be made available over the counter in Irish pharmacies, the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has confirmed.

It has published a list of 12 active substances contained in medicines that are currently prescription only ‘which could be safely reclassified and switched to over the counter sale'.

"This could result in a total of 34 medicines being sold through pharmacies without prescription. The list includes medicines for the treatment of migraine, acid-reflux symptoms, hay fever, cold sores, muscle pain and inflammation, fungal skin and nail infections and other inflammatory skin conditions," the HPRA said.

It is now seeking expressions of interest from the pharmaceutical companies that supply these medicines to apply to have them reclassified.

"The authority is pleased to bring this reclassification initiative forward with this initial list of products. Our proactive stance with regard to these medicines is consistent with Irish health policy which aims, where appropriate, to provide patients with increased access to healthcare at the lowest point of complexity and cost," commented Lorraine Nolan of the HPRA.

The move was welcomed by the Irish Pharmacy Union, which represents over 2,000 community pharmacies.

"This is a landmark move to improving public health. Pharmacies are the most accessible part of the healthcare system and this announcement is a step towards utilising pharmacists' knowledge and expertise for the benefit of the patient," said IPU president, Kathy Maher.