A pharmacist has shared which over-the-counter mediciation she would ‘never buy’.Customer in pharmacy holding medicine bottleA pharmacist has shared the one common medicine they ‘refuse to spend money on’.(Image: Getty Images)

A pharmacist has taken to social media to share with followers which common over-the-counter medicine she doesn’t see the point in buying to cure a cold, saying it isn’t “much better than a placebo”.

Sadly as we enter into the colder months, cases of cold and flu will begin to surge. While many of us will already be trying to find ways to shake off the chill in the air, this can be made significantly worse when you are also struggling with a sniffly nose and a pesky cough.

While there are many at-home remedies out there that claim to cut your cold down by a few days, many of us end up reaching for trusty over-the-counter medicines to try and reduce the symptoms.

If you are someone who is unsure of what medicines to try, a clinical pharmacist has taken to TikTok to share with followers which medicine they “refuse to spend money on” if they are suffering from a cough or sore throat.

In the video, pharmacist Anum states: “The one medication I refuse to spend my money on are over-the-counter cough syrups”.

This is due to research showing that many cough remedies don’t provide much more relief than a placebo, reports the Express. Placebos are substances and treatments with no therapeutic benefit, and are used as a control medication in drug trials.

Sick mature woman with sore throat, standing in living room at home.As we get into the colder months, cold and flu cases are expected to rise.(Image: Getty Images)

While Anum does acknowledge that everyone is different and can buy what they believe works best for them, she said: “These syrups aren’t actually drastically reducing the cough symptoms in comparison to those who are taking nothing or those that were taking placebo.”

Instead, she explained that if she were to experience a viral, non-serious cough, she would seek out alternative methods that won’t cost as much.

Describing her usual routine, Anum said: “I rely on hydration, rest and warm water with some lemon and a little bit of honey for a soothing benefit.”

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However, if you have a “persistent cough” that lasts for three or more weeks, she does suggest seeking further advice from a pharmacist or GP to find the best way to lessen the symptoms.

TikTok users have left mixed views after watching the video, as one person wrote: “Benylin definitely loosens a tight sore chest. The rest are rubbish, I agree.”

While another person promoted an alternative brand, writing: “Covonia worked a dream for me when I got the flu, I couldn’t sleep because of the coughing.”

However, a third commenter reminded users: “It’s not about not having a cough medicine, it’s about having the right cough syrup for the right cough.”

In terms of advice from the NHS regarding how to treat a cough, the website states: “There’s usually no need to see a GP if you have a cough.”

For those currently suffering from a cold, the NHS has listed some methods that could help lessen the symptoms over time.

You should:

RestDrink plenty of fluidsTry to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities

You could also try:

Paracetamol or ibuprofen to treat any painHot lemon and honey (not suitable for babies under one-year-old)A herbal medicine called pelargonium (suitable for people aged 12 or over)

However, the NHS does note that “there’s limited evidence to show these work. Hot lemon with honey has a similar effect to cough medicines.”

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