Martin Lewis shared how you could save money when you are buying over-the-counter medicines in England.
On the recent episode of the Martin Lewis Money Show, the Money Saving Expert detailed a "simple" check you should do before buying a certain product.
Martin said there was a "secret" nine digit number which you should be looking out for.
He explained that the nine-character code was printed on every box and that you can use this to guide you to a much cheaper off-brand alternative to a big name product noting that in many cases you are "paying for the packaging" with big name brands.
The Money Saving Expert showed viewers an example of this using two packets of period painkillers they had bought the same day.
Martin said: "I have in front of me two packets that were bought today. They are both for period pains - painkillers.
"This one cost £5.29, this is £3.45. But if you look on the side of these boxes, the PL Code, the Product Licence code. 12063/0071. And 12063/0071.
"That doesn't mean same active ingredient. That means these are exactly the same tablets."
"Exactly the same tablets. Same product licence, same tablets, totally different price. Just for the packaging."
When buying medicines over the counter, the MoneySavingExpert founder told viewers to check if the different medicines have the same Product Licence code.
He added: "They could well be substantially cheaper and it's not the same active ingredient, it's the same tablets"'
The Money Saving Expert also advised people to do this even if there's not an identical medicine that's cheaper.
This is because it can often be possible to save cash by turning away from branded products and opting for an unbranded or own-brand equivalent.
Martin said it was the medicine's "active ingredient" that mattered and the rest is largely irrelevant unless you have certain allergies.
Martin explained: "If you're buying Nurofen the active ingredient in it is ibuprofen and you can buy generic ibuprofen for far less than Nurofen, it does the same thing."
"The only thing you have to watch for is whether it's coated, or what the ingredients are if you've got an allergy or something like that and maybe the speed of operation. But the active underlying ingredient is the same."
How to cut the cost of your NHS prescription
There are groups of people that qualify for free NHS prescriptions, for example, if you are aged 60 or over, under 16, or aged 16 to 18 and in full-time education.
Other examples include those who have a valid maternity exemption certificate (MatEx) or medical exemption certificate (MedEx).
The MedEx certificates are only given to those with a specific health condition.
People who hold a valid war pension exemption certificate and the prescription is for your accepted disability can also claim a free prescription and those who are NHS inpatients can too.
Some benefits can also entitle you to free NHS prescriptions and you see the full list of who can get free NHS prescriptions here.
