Has the vet prescribed an antihistamine for Alfie? Charley has an allergy and was prescribed Piriton. I have used Boots Allergy Relief Tablets (Chlorphenamine Maleate) for him that are the same as Piriton, but cheaper.
I would definitely try piriton (or equiv) but check whether he can take this in conjunction with the metacam 
Brill, thankyou both

I will check it out now

The cream is good but blimey it smells

and obviously is a pain in the wotsits applying, although Alf quite likes his groin being rubbed we have discovered