People can buy products classified as 'pharmacy medicines' ( P ) but only from a pharmacy and in the presence of a pharmacist. These medicines, also called 'pharmacy-only medicines', are not usually displayed on open shelves. A rectangular box enclosing the letter P appears on the packaging of pharmacy medicines.

The medicines—also called 'general sales list ( GSL ) medicines'—are also available for self-selection in pharmacies. General sale medicines are taken for common, easily recognised ailments which usually last around 2 to 3 days. These medicines cause few troublesome side effects in normal use.

The medicines in a rectangular box enclosing the letters POM appears on the packs of prescription-only medicines. In general, prescription-only medicines are used for conditions that are best diagnosed and managed by health professionals.