10 fact you must know – FLU SEASON 2020/2021
With just one month to go, flu season 2020/2021 is just around the corner. It is expected to be that demand for flu vaccination service will be high this year. NHS England has an ambitious target for the uptake in eligible patients groups of at least 75%. Additionally, eligibility criteria will be extended, for example, phased-out eligibility for free flu vaccination of those aged 50-64. It is expected to be the busiest season, and community pharmacies will play a vital role in providing flu vaccination service. This post is a summary of essential information about flu season 2020 and flu vaccination 2020/2021. This post will be updated regularly with any significant facts,…
Otrivine Extra Dual Relief – 8 facts YOU must know
Otrivine Extra Dual Relief is a pharmacy only medication and the only over the counter product containing ipratropium bromide for the management of congestion and runny nose caused by colds. This post summarises the essential information about Otrivine Extra Dual Relief nasal spray.
What is the strongest over the counter steroid cream?
Steroid cream (also known as corticosteroid cream) is a topical medication (applied to the skin) used as anti-inflammatory preparation used in the treatment of various skin conditions including irritant and contact dermatitis (sore, red and swollen skin), insect bites and mild to moderate eczema. In today’s post, I will review the strongest over the counter steroid cream: clobetasone cream (brand name: Eumovate Eczema % Dermatitis cream).
What is a dosette box? How to get one?
A dosette box, also known as monitored dosage system (MDS) is a plastic box designed to organise and aid administration of patient’s medication. Dosette box is composed of small sealable compartments, which hold tablets removed from blister packaging (original pack). Dosette box, therefore, can be useful when a patient takes many drugs at different times of the day. Summary of ‘What is a dossete box’ post: design of dosette boxes design of pillboxes/pill organisers advantages and disadvantages of dosette systems criteria for getting a dosette on NHS an alternative option MDS list of drugs, which should not be placed in dosettes a brief review of popular pillboxes available on Amazon.co.uk
Can you get Promethazine Cough Syrup?
Promethazine is an antihistamine commonly available in the UK pharmacies. With its sedative properties, promethazine can be used as sleeping aid product; however, it can also be used as an antihistamine for the treatment of allergic conditions including allergic rhinitis, itchiness of the skin and to help with mild anaphylactic reactions. In today’s post, I will discuss the availability of promethazine in the form of syrup. Can you get promethazine cough syrup? Promethazine: effect on the body Promethazine belongs to a group of drugs called antihistamines. Promethazine is a ‘first generation’ antihistamine. This group of antihistamines is characterised by having sedative properties. The primary mechanism of action of promethazine is…
Evorel patches incl. Evorel Conti Alternative drugs
Evorel patches have been subject to shortages since 2019. Today the stock of Evorel patches, including Evorel Conti and Evorel Sequi is being replenished with improved availability in many pharmacies due to imposed supply restrictions by the wholesaler which redistributes Evorel products. Today I am looking at different options for treatment of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), focusing on Evorel, Evorel Conti and Evorel Sequi alternative drugs. Additionally, stock availability in the UK for Evorel, Evorel range will be discussed.
Disprin Direct: uses, side effect of chewable aspirin
Disprin Direct is a chewable form of aspirin 300mg tablets. Disprin Direct is placed on the tongue and allowed to disperse without the use of water. Information reviewed in this post: Legal status and availability of Disprin Licensed use Age restrictions Contra-indications: who cannot use Disprin chewable aspirin Recommended dose Possible side-effects Alternative options
EMLA cream for premature ejaculation
In the UK, EMLA cream is mostly known and used as a topical anaesthetic which is applied to the skin before needle insertion or surgical procedures on the surface of the skin. In today’s post, I will review the use of EMLA cream for premature ejaculation (PE). Summary of the post: What is premature ejaculation and what is EMLA cream Legal status of EMLA cream How to get EMLA cream for PE How much does EMLA cost? Review of the effectiveness of EMLA cream for PE How to use EMLA cream for premature ejaculation? Possible Side effects associated with the use of EMLA cream
The Best Iron Supplements UK edition
I today’s post I will discuss the best iron supplement in the UK. There is an endless number of iron and multivitamin supplements available in supermarkets and pharmacies. Patients who are deficient of iron and require to take supplements can buy the best iron products from a pharmacy. The best of all, iron supplements available in UK pharmacies are cheap and effective. Patients who pay a prescription charge can buy iron tablets or capsules, which are very often available at a much lower cost. Summary of this post: What is Iron deficiency? Iron deficiency: who needs iron supplements Iron supplements: legal classification Most popular iron supplements in the UK (prescribing…
19 Best Products for Blocked Nose in Babies
Blocked nose in babies is a common occurrence. Thankfully there are many non-medicated products, which can be used to help with stuffy noses. Most ‘baby’ products which are available for the management of congestion can be used in newborn babies with few the exception of some vapour rubs. Popular product available this review can be broadly divided into: Saline nasal sprays and drops Nasal aspirator (manual and electric) Vapour rubs and vapour oils Electric plugs (Calpol Vapour Plug) Baby bubble bath products Congestion and blocked nose can be a symptom of hayfever. Availability of different liquid antihistamines is discussed in a separate post.
