Prescription-only medicine (POM)
A prescription-only medicine (POM) is a medicine that, under UK law, can only be sold or supplied against a prescription from an appropriate practitioner, and that cannot be advertised to the public.
Full definition
UK medicines fall into three legal categories: prescription-only medicines (POM), pharmacy medicines (P) and general sale list medicines (GSL). The MHRA explains that a member of the public cannot buy a POM, and that a rectangular box containing the letters "POM" appears on the pack. The legal basis is the Human Medicines Regulations 2012. Regulation 214 says a person may not sell or supply a prescription-only medicine except in accordance with a prescription given by an appropriate practitioner, such as a doctor. Regulation 284, in the part of the Regulations covering advertising to the public, says "a person may not publish an advertisement that is likely to lead to the use of a prescription only medicine". That is why responsible UK services describe POMs factually but do not promote them, show offers on them or invite you to choose one: the decision belongs to the prescriber after an assessment. Finasteride 1 mg, dutasteride and oral minoxidil are all POMs. An online service can still supply them lawfully, provided a prescriber reviews each person's case and issues a prescription; see what happens in an online consultation and how it works. A medicine's category can change over time through a process the MHRA calls reclassification: growing confidence in how a medicine works and a better understanding of its side effects can lead to a change. If you see a POM offered without any prescriber review, our page on buying finasteride without a prescription explains the risks, and the glossary entry on no consultation needed explains the marketing pattern.
What it does not mean
POM status does not mean a medicine is especially dangerous, banned or a last resort, and it does not mean it will work for you. It means the law requires a prescriber to decide whether it is appropriate. The advertising ban also does not stop factual, balanced information: it stops promotion that is likely to lead to use of the medicine.
Examples in use
Honest use
"Finasteride 1 mg is a prescription-only medicine. A GMC-registered doctor reviews your assessment and decides whether it is appropriate for you."
Common misuse
"Buy finasteride today, no prescription needed." (A POM cannot lawfully be supplied without a prescription, and an advertisement likely to lead to the use of a POM is prohibited.)
UK regulatory source
Human Medicines Regulations 2012 (SI 2012/1916), regulation 214 (sale or supply of prescription only medicines) and regulation 284 (advertising to the public); MHRA, Medicines: reclassify your product (GOV.UK); MHRA Blue Guide