World Pharmacy

Category: Treatments And Advice

  • Decongestants

    Decongestants

    Decongestants are a type of medicine that can provide short-term relief for a blocked or stuffy nose (nasal congestion).

    They can help ease the symptoms of conditions such as colds and flu, hay fever and other allergic reactions, catarrh and sinusitis.

    They work by reducing the swelling of the blood vessels in your nose, which helps to open the airways.

    Types of decongestants

    Decongestants are available as:

    • nasal sprays
    • drops
    • tablets or capsules
    • liquids or syrups
    • flavoured powders to dissolve in hot water

    Some products may just contain decongestant medicine, but many are sold as “all-in-1” remedies that contain decongestants, painkillers or antihistamines.

    Most decongestants can be bought over the counter from pharmacies without a prescription.

    Who can take decongestants

    Most people can use decongestants safely, but they’re not suitable for everyone.

    They should not be used by the following groups of people without getting advice from a pharmacist or GP first:

    • people taking other medicines
    • people with diabetes
    • people with high blood pressure
    • people with an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
    • men with an enlarged prostate
    • people with liver, kidney, heart or circulation problems
    • people with increased pressure in the eye glaucoma

    Babies and children

    Decongestants should not be given to children under 6.

    Children aged 6 to 12 should take them for no longer than 5 days. Ask a pharmacist for advice about this.

    Pregnant and breastfeeding women

    It’s not clear whether it’s safe to take any type of decongestant if you’re pregnant, so you should only use them if told to by a healthcare professional.

    Decongestants that come as tablets, liquids or powders that you swallow are not recommended if you’re breastfeeding.

    Some decongestants that come as nose sprays or drops are safe to use if you’re breastfeeding, but check with a pharmacist or GP first before using them.

    The patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine will say who should not use it and who should get advice before using it.

    How to use decongestants

    Most decongestants should only be used between 1 and 4 times a day.

    Check the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine for advice about how much to take and how often to take it.

    If you’re not sure, ask a pharmacist for advice.

    Decongestant nasal sprays and drops should not be used for more than a week at a time because using them for too long can make your stuffiness worse.

    Speak to a GP if your symptoms do not improve after this time.

    Side effects of decongestants

    Decongestant medicines do not usually have side effects, and any side effects you may experience are usually mild.

    Possible side effects can include:

    • feeling sleepy (look for non-drowsy medicines)
    • irritation of the lining of your nose
    • headaches
    • feeling or being sick
    • a dry mouth
    • feeling restless or agitated
    • a rash

    These side effects should go away once you stop taking the medicine.

    More serious side effects can also happen, such as hallucinations and severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), but these are very rare.

    Taking decongestants with other medicines

    Ask a pharmacist or GP before taking decongestants if you’re taking other medicines.

    Decongestants can increase or decrease the effect of some other medicines.

    For example, taking decongestants alongside some antidepressants can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure.

    It’s also important to be careful when taking other medicines if you’re using an “all-in-1” decongestant remedy.

    “All-in-1” decongestants also contain painkillers or antihistamines, so it could be dangerous to take extra doses of these medicines at the same time.

  • Headaches

    Headaches

    Most headaches will go away on their own and are not a sign of something more serious.

    How you can ease headaches yourself

    Headaches can last between 30 minutes and several hours.

    Do

    • drink plenty of water
    • get plenty of rest if you have a cold or the flu
    • try to relax – stress can make headaches worse
    • exercise when you can
    • take paracetamol or ibuprofen

    Don’t

    • do not drink alcohol
    • do not skip meals (even if you might not feel like eating anything)
    • do not sleep more than you usually would – it can make the headache worse
    • do not strain your eyes for a long time – for example, by looking at a screen

    See a GP if:

    • your headache keeps coming back
    • painkillers do not help and your headache gets worse
    • you have a bad throbbing pain at the front or side of your head – this could be a migraine or, more rarely, a cluster headache
    • you feel sick, vomit and find light or noise painful
    • you get other symptoms – for example, your arms or legs feel numb or weak

    Call 999 or go to A&E if:

    • you injured your head badly – for example, from a fall or accident
    • the headache came on suddenly and is extremely painful

    You have an extremely painful headache and:

    • sudden problems speaking or remembering things
    • loss of vision
    • you’re feeling drowsy or confused
    • you have a very high temperature, feel hot and shivery, and have a stiff neck or a rash
    • the white part of your eye is red

    What can cause headaches

    The most common reasons are:

    • having a cold or the flu
    • stress
    • drinking too much alcohol
    • bad posture
    • eyesight problems
    • not eating regular meals
    • not drinking enough fluids (dehydration)
    • taking too many painkillers
  • Pregnancy

    Pregnancy

    A Guide to Pregnancy

    During pregnancy it’s completely normal to have many questions and concerns. Your local pharmacy is a great place to go for support during your pregnancy (and beyond), they’ll help you you make the right choices when it comes to looking after your and your baby’s health.

    This is a very important stage on your life and it is normal to ask yourself a lot of questions and have many concerns. Do not worry, A pharmacist can support your way during pregnancy and beyond, making sure you make the right choices and helps you looking after your health and your baby.

    Healthy eating

    A healthy diet is a vital part of a healthy lifestyle at any time, but is especially important if you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Eating healthily during pregnancy will help your baby to develop and grow.

    You don’t need to go on a special diet, but it’s important to eat a variety of different foods every day to get the right balance of nutrients that you and your baby need.

    It’s always best to get vitamins and minerals from the foods you eat, but when you’re pregnant you need to take a folic acid supplement as well during the first few months, to make sure you get everything you and your baby may need.

    There are also certain foods that should be avoided in pregnancy.

    You will probably find that you are hungrier than usual, but you don’t need to “eat for two” – even if you are expecting twins or triplets. This is one of the most common myths of pregnancy.

    EXERCISE IN PREGNANCY

    The more active and fit you are during pregnancy, the easier it will be for you to adapt to your changing shape and weight gain. It will also help you with labour and get back into shape after the birth of your baby.

    Keep up your normal daily physical activity or exercise (sport, running, yoga, dancing, or even walking to the shops and back) for as long as you feel comfortable.

    Exercise is not dangerous for your baby but there are certain exercises that should be avoided, so it is always worth to check with your Doctor or pharmacist.

    Postnatal depression

    Postnatal depression is a type of depression that many parents experience after having a baby.  t’s a common problem, affecting more than 1 in every 10 women within a year of giving birth. It can also affect fathers and partners, although this is less common.

    It’s important to seek help as soon as possible if you think you might be depressed, as your symptoms could last months or get worse and have a significant impact on you, your baby and your family.

    It is difficult to understand if you are depressed as many women feel a bit down, tearful or anxious in the first week after giving birth. This is often called the “baby blues” and is so common that it’s considered normal as you need to adjust to your new situation and sometimes it can be challenging. The “baby blues” don’t last for more than two weeks after giving birth.

    If your symptoms last longer or start later, you could have postnatal depression. Postnatal depression can start any time in the first year after giving birth.

    How can we help you?

    Request a one to one consultation with one of our pharmacist who can answer your questions and give you advice about.

    • Healthy eating in pregnancy
    • Exercise in pregnancy
    • Medicines in pregnancy. What can you take to ease your symptoms and which medicines you need to avoid.
    • Post-natal depression
  • Antimalarials

    Antimalarials

    Antimalarial medication is used to prevent and treat malaria.

    You should always consider taking antimalarial medicine when travelling to areas where there’s a risk of malaria. Visit your GP or local travel clinic for malaria advice as soon as you know when and where you’re going to be travelling.

    It’s very important to take the correct dose and finish the course of antimalarial treatment. If you’re unsure, ask your GP or pharmacist how long you should take your medication for.

    Preventing malaria

    It’s usually recommended you take antimalarial tablets if you’re visiting an area where there’s a malaria risk as they can reduce your risk of malaria by about 90%.

    The type of antimalarial tablets you will be prescribed is based on the following information:

    • where you’re going
    • any relevant family medical history
    • your medical history, including any allergies to medication
    • any medication you’re currently taking
    • any problems you’ve had with antimalarial medicines in the past
    • your age
    • whether you’re pregnant

    You may need to take a short trial course of antimalarial tablets before travelling. This is to check that you don’t have an adverse reaction or side effects. If you do, alternative antimalarials can be prescribed before you leave.

    Types of antimalarial medication

    The main types of antimalarials used to prevent malaria are described below.

    Atovaquone plus proguanil

    • Dosage – the adult dose is 1 adult-strength tablet a day. Child dosage is also once a day, but the amount depends on the child’s weight. It should be started 1 or 2 days before your trip and taken every day you’re in a risk area, and for 7 days after you return.
    • Recommendations – a lack of clear evidence means this antimalarial shouldn’t be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women. It’s also not recommended for people with severe kidney problems.
    • Possible side effects – stomach upset, headaches, skin rash and mouth ulcers.
    • Other factors – it can be more expensive than other antimalarials, so may be more suitable for short trips.

    Doxycycline (also known as Vibramycin-D)

    • Dosage – the dose is 100mg daily as a tablet or capsule. You should start the tablets 2 days before you travel and take them each day you’re in a risk area, and for 4 weeks after you return.
    • Recommendations – not normally recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, but your GP will advise. Not recommended for children under the age of 12 (because of the risk of permanent tooth discolouration), people who are sensitive to tetracycline antibiotics, or people with liver problems.
    • Possible side effects – stomach upset, heartburn, thrush, and sunburn as a result of light sensitivity. It should always be taken with food, preferably when standing or sitting.
    • Other factors – it is relatively cheap. If you take doxycycline for acne, it will also provide protection against malaria as long as you’re taking an adequate dose. Ask your GP.

    Mefloquine (also known as Lariam)

    • Dosage – the adult dose is 1 tablet weekly. Child dosage is also once a week, but the amount will depend on their weight. It should be started 3 weeks before you travel and taken all the time you’re in a risk area, and for 4 weeks after you get back.
    • Recommendations – it’s not recommended if you have epilepsy, seizures, depression or other mental health problems, or if a close relative has any of these conditions. It’s not usually recommended for people with severe heart or liver problems.
    • Possible side effects – dizziness, headache, sleep disturbances (insomnia and vivid dreams) and psychiatric reactions (anxiety, depression, panic attacks and hallucinations). It’s very important to tell your doctor about any previous mental health problems, including mild depression. Don’t take this medication if you have a seizure disorder.
    • Other factors – if you haven’t taken mefloquine before, it’s recommended you do a 3-week trial before you travel to see whether you develop any side effects.

    Chloroquine and proguanil

    A combination of antimalarial medications called chloroquine and proguanil is also available, although these are rarely recommended nowadays because they’re largely ineffective against the most common and dangerous type of malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum.

    However, chloroquine and proguanil may occasionally be recommended for certain destinations where the Plasmodium falciparum parasite is less common than other types, such as India and Sri Lanka.

    Treating malaria

    If malaria is diagnosed and treated promptly, a full recovery can be expected. Treatment should be started as soon as a blood test confirms malaria.

    Many of the same antimalarial medicines used to prevent malaria can also be used to treat the disease. However, if you’ve taken an antimalarial to prevent malaria, you shouldn’t take the same one to treat it. This means it’s important to tell your doctor the name of the antimalarials you took.

    The type of antimalarial medicine and how long you need to take it will depend on:

    • the type of malaria you have
    • where you caught malaria
    • the severity of your symptoms
    • whether you took preventative antimalarial tablets
    • your age
    • whether you’re pregnant

    Your doctor may recommend using a combination of different antimalarials to overcome strains of malaria that have become resistant to single types of medication.

    Antimalarial medication is usually given as tablets or capsules. If someone is very ill, it will be given through a drip into a vein in the arm (intravenously) in hospital.

    Treatment for malaria can leave you feeling very tired and weak for several weeks.

    Emergency standby treatment

    In some cases, you may be prescribed emergency standby treatment for malaria before you travel. This is usually if there’s a risk of you becoming infected with malaria while travelling in a remote area with little or no access to medical care.

    Examples of emergency standby medications include:

    • atovaquone with proguanil
    • artemether with lumefantrine
    • quinine plus doxycycline
    • quinine plus clindamycin

    Your GP may decide to seek advice from a travel health specialist before prescribing standby emergency treatment.

    Read more about standby emergency treatment for malaria.

    Antimalarials in pregnancy

    If you’re pregnant, it’s advisable to avoid travelling to areas where there’s a risk of malaria.

    Pregnant women have an increased risk of developing severe malaria, and both the baby and mother could experience serious complications.

    It’s very important to take the right antimalarial medicine if you’re pregnant and unable to postpone or cancel your trip to an area where there’s a malaria risk.

    Some of the antimalarials used to prevent and treat malaria are unsuitable for pregnant women because they can cause side effects for both mother and baby.

    The list below outlines which medications are safe or unsafe to use while pregnant:

    • Mefloquine – not usually prescribed during the first trimester of pregnancy, or if pregnancy is a possibility during the first 3 months after preventative antimalarial medication is stopped. This is a precaution, even though there’s no evidence to suggest mefloquine is harmful to an unborn baby.
    • Doxycycline – never recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women as it could harm the baby.
    • Atovaquone plus proguanil – not generally recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding because research into the effects is limited. However, if the risk of malaria is high, they may be recommended if there’s no suitable alternative.

    Chloroquine combined with proguanil is suitable during pregnancy, but it is rarely used as it’s not very effective against the most common and dangerous type of malaria parasite.

  • Dehydration

    Dehydration

    Dehydration means your body loses more fluids than you take in. If it’s not treated, it can get worse and become a serious problem.

    Important

    Babies, children and the elderly are more at risk of dehydration.

    Check if you’re dehydrated

    Symptoms of dehydration in adults and children include:

    • feeling thirsty
    • dark yellow and strong-smelling pee
    • feeling dizzy or lightheaded
    • feeling tired
    • a dry mouth, lips and eyes
    • peeing little, and fewer than 4 times a day

    Dehydration can happen more easily if you have:

    • diabetes
    • vomiting or diarrhoea
    • been in the sun too long (heatstroke)
    • drunk too much alcohol
    • sweated too much after exercising
    • a high temperature of 38C or more
    • been taking medicines that make you pee more (diuretics)

    How you can reduce the risk of dehydration

    Drink fluids when you feel any dehydration symptoms.

    If you find it hard to drink because you feel sick or have been sick, start with small sips and then gradually drink more.

    You can use a spoon to make it easier for your child to swallow the fluids.

    You should drink enough during the day so your pee is a pale clear colour.

    Drink when there’s a higher risk of dehydrating. For example, if you’re vomiting, sweating or you have diarrhoea.

    How to prevent dehydration

    Dehydration means your body loses more fluids than you take in. If it isn’t treated it can get worse and become a serious problem.

    Carers: making sure someone drinks enough

    Sometimes people you care for do not have a sense of how much they’re drinking.

    To help them:

    • make sure they drink during mealtimes
    • make drinking a social thing, like “having a cup of tea”
    • offer them food with a high water content – for example, soups, ice cream or jellies, or fruits like melon

    A pharmacist can help with dehydration

    If you’re being sick or have diarrhoea and are losing too much fluid, you need to put back the sugar, salts and minerals that your body has lost.

    Your pharmacist can recommend oral rehydration sachets. These are powders that you mix with water and then drink.

    Ask your pharmacist which ones are right for you or your child.

    Call 999 or go to A&E if:

    • you’re feeling unusually tired
    • you’re confused and disorientated
    • any dizziness when you stand up does not go away
    • you have not peed all day
    • your pulse is weak or rapid
    • you have fits (seizures)

    These can be signs of serious dehydration that need urgent treatment.

    Under-5s with dehydration

    The under-5s should get plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

    It’s quite common for young children to become dehydrated. It can be serious if it’s not dealt with quickly.

    Urgent advice:

    Take your baby or child to the GP urgently or go to A&E if they:

    • seem drowsy
    • breathe fast
    • have few or no tears when they cry
    • have a soft spot on their head that sinks inwards (sunken fontanelle)
    • have a dry mouth
    • have dark yellow pee or have not had a pee in last 12 hours
    • have cold and blotchy-looking hands and feet

    Once the dehydration has been treated, your child will need to maintain their fluid levels.

    GPs usually advise:

    Do

    • carry on breastfeeding or using formula – try to give small amounts more often than usual
    • for babies on formula or solid foods – give them small sips of extra water
    • give small children their usual diet
    • give regular small sips of rehydration solution to replace lost fluids, salts and sugars – ask your pharmacist to recommend one

    Don’t

    • do not make formula weaker
    • do not give young children fruit juice or fizzy drinks – it makes things like diarrhoea or vomiting worse
  • Healthy Lifestyle Advice

    Healthy Lifestyle Advice

    Living a healthy lifestyle is important for everyone, so Warwick Pharmacy want to ensure that everyone is given the opportunity to get the advice they need to make any necessary changes to their lifestyle in order to achieve better health.

    The pharmacist is available to provide healthy lifestyle advice, as well as our professionally trained pharmacy team. The advice which can be offered includes:

    • general lifestyle advice
    • helping to stop smoking
    • advising healthy eating
    • specific advice for a particular medical condition.

    To find out what you have do to improve the health of your lifestyle, come in-store today and ask to speak with the pharmacist.

  • Premature Ejaculation

    Premature Ejaculation

    WHAT IS PREMATURE EJACULATION?

    Premature ejaculation is not an uncommon condition for men to experience at some point in their life. It refers to instances where a man comes to climax “too early some or most of the time” when they engage in sexual intercourse. However, the definition of what constitutes “too early” can change from individual to individual, though most professionals define premature ejaculation as when a man ejaculates after less than two minutes of being aroused.

    Premature ejaculation can occur during all forms of sexual activity, including vaginal sex, anal sex, oral sex, masturbation and simple physical contact.

    WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PREMATURE EJACULATION AND ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION?

    Erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation are often associated with one another, and can even be confused for each other, as they are both male sexual health conditions that relate to sexual activity and the male erection.

    However, it is important to differentiate between the two conditions in order to select the most appropriate treatment. The main difference between the two conditions is that premature ejaculation is ejaculating too quickly, whilst erectile dysfunction (otherwise known as impotence) is an inability to achieve or maintain an erection.

    If you still aren’t sure which condition you’re suffering from, speak to one of the Express Pharmacy team today using our discreet Live Chat service or by calling 0208 123 0703.

    WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PREMATURE EJACULATION?

    It is currently difficult to gain a clear diagnosis of premature ejaculation, as the guidelines for what the specific symptoms of the condition are is often changing. This is largely due to the fact that all men have a different idea regarding how long sexual intercourse should last, so one man’s concerns may be non-existent in another man who ejaculates after the same period of time.

    There has been no specific length established for how long sexual intercourse should last. However, studies into the conditions have set certain guidelines which allow us to establish two main symptoms of premature ejaculation. These include:

    • Reaching the point of ejaculation within two minutes (120 seconds) or less of becoming aroused
    • This problem occurring regularly. Most men will experience “one off” or intermittent instances of premature ejaculation at some point in their life.

    The regular experience of reaching ejaculation within two minutes is the surest sign that you may potentially be suffering with premature ejaculation. However, it is still beneficial to discuss your symptoms with a medical professional in order to gain a clear diagnosis.

    The embarrassment associated with premature ejaculation is common but often misplaced. Infrequent or intermittent premature ejaculation can be embarrassing and inconvenient, but it does not necessarily indicate a sexual dysfunction. Perhaps the surest sign of persistent premature ejaculation is where a man finds that the problem does not ease even when they have become comfortable with their sexual partner.

    WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF PREMATURE EJACULATION?

    There are many factors which can be at the root of premature ejaculation, which is why so many men experience the condition. These causes can be both physical and psychological, or it can be brought on by lifestyle factors too.

    Physical causes of premature ejaculation include:

    • Spinal injuries
    • Diabetes
    • Vascular conditions
    • Prostate disease
    • High blood pressure
    • Multiple sclerosis
    • Neurological conditions

    Psychological causes of premature ejaculation include:

    • Stress
    • Anxiety
    • Guilt
    • Nervousness
    • A lack of confidence
    • Unresolved emotional issues
    • Sexual inexperience

    Lifestyle factors which can contribute to premature ejaculation include:

    • Excessive alcohol consumption
    • Drug use
    • Nicotine

    HOW TO TREAT PREMATURE EJACULATION

    The first step to resolving your premature ejaculation is to understand what is causing the condition. This will give you a clue as to what method of treatment will benefit you. For example, if your premature ejaculation is simply due to nervousness, this will likely get better as you become more sexually confident.

    Lifestyle changes can help reduce symptoms of premature ejaculation if the condition is indeed caused by lifestyle choices like drinking and drug use, whilst therapy or opening up to a partner can help alleviate premature ejaculation caused by psychological concerns. If the condition is caused by an underlying physical issue, treating this concern can help alleviate your premature ejaculation.

    Prescription medication is an effective method of premature ejaculation relief, particularly SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). Premature ejaculation medication such as Priligy uses the active ingredient Dapoxetine to encourage ejaculation delay during sexual intercourse.

  • Aspirin

    Aspirin

    Low-dose aspirin

    1. About low-dose aspirin
    2. Key facts
    3. Who can and can’t take low-dose aspirin
    4. How and when to take it
    5. Side effects
    6. How to cope with side effects
    7. Pregnancy and breastfeeding
    8. Cautions with other medicines
    9. Common questions

     

    1. About low-dose aspirin

    Daily low-dose aspirin is a blood thinning medicine. Aspirin is also known as acetylsalicylic acid.

    Low-dose aspirin helps to prevent heart attacks and strokes in people at high risk of them.

    Your doctor may suggest that you take a daily low dose if you have had a stroke or a heart attack to help stop you having another one.

    Or, if you’re at high risk of heart attack – for example, if you have had heart surgery or if you have chest pain caused by heart disease (angina).

    Only take daily low-dose aspirin if your doctor recommends it.

    Low-dose aspirin comes as tablets. It’s available on prescription. You can also buy it from pharmacies, shops and supermarkets.

    Children are sometimes treated with low-dose aspirin after heart surgery or to treat a rare illness called Kawasaki disease. Children should only take low-dose aspirin if their doctor prescribes it.

    Taking low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attacks and strokes is not the same as taking aspirin as a painkiller. Read our information on aspirin for pain relief.

    2. Key facts

    • Daily low-dose aspirin makes the blood less sticky and helps to prevent heart attacks and stroke.
    • It’s usual to take a dose of 75mg once a day. Sometimes doses may be higher.
    • It’s best to take low-dose aspirin with food so it doesn’t upset your stomach.
    • Taking low-dose aspirin isn’t safe for everyone. Only take low-dose aspirin if your doctor recommends it.
    • Low-dose aspirin is also called by the brand names Caprin, Danamep, Micropirin and Nu-seals.

    3. Who can and can’t take low-dose aspirin

    Most people aged 16 or over can safely take low-dose aspirin if their doctor recommends it.

    Low-dose aspirin isn’t suitable for certain people.

    It’s sometimes called baby aspirin because of the small dose, but it’s not safe for children.

    Never give aspirin to a child younger than 16, unless their doctor prescribes it.

    There’s a possible link between aspirin and Reye’s syndrome in children.

    Reye’s syndrome is a very rare illness that can cause serious liver and brain damage.

    Important

    Never give aspirin to children younger than 16, unless their doctor prescribes it.

    To make sure low-dose aspirin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

    • an allergy to aspirin or similar painkillers such as ibuprofen
    • ever had a stomach ulcer
    • high blood pressure
    • indigestion
    • heavy periods – taking daily aspirin can make them heavier
    • recently had a stroke (low-dose aspirin isn’t suitable for some types of stroke)
    • asthma or lung disease
    • ever had a blood clotting problem
    • liver or kidney problems
    • gout – it can get worse if you take daily aspirin

    Check with your doctor that it’s safe for you to take low-dose aspirin if you’re pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or if you want to breastfeed.

    4. How and when to take it

    Take low-dose aspirin once a day. Don’t take it on an empty stomach. It’s best to take it with or just after food. This will make it less likely to upset your stomach.

    How much should I take?

    Your doctor will discuss what dose is right for you. It’s important to take low-dose aspirin exactly as recommended by your doctor.

    The usual dose to prevent a heart attack or stroke is 75mg once a day (a regular strength tablet for pain relief is 300mg).

    The daily dose may be higher – up to 300mg once a day – especially if you have just had a stroke, heart attack or heart bypass surgery.

    Different types of low-dose aspirin tablets

    Low-dose aspirin comes as several different types of tablet:

    • standard tablets – that you swallow whole with water
    • soluble tablets – that you dissolve in a glass of water
    • enteric coated tablets – that you swallow whole with water. These tablets have a special coating that means they may be gentler on your stomach. Do not chew or crush them because it’ll stop the coating working. If you also take indigestion remedies, take them at least 2 hours before or after you take your aspirin. The antacid in the indigestion remedy affects the way the coating on these tablets works.

    You can buy low-dose enteric coated aspirin and low-dose soluble aspirin from pharmacies, shops and supermarkets.

    What if I forget to take it?

    If you forget to take a dose of aspirin, take it as soon as you remember. If you don’t remember until the following day, skip the missed dose.

    Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

    If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember to take your medicine.

    What if I take too much?

    Taking 1 or 2 extra tablets by accident is unlikely to be harmful.

    The amount of aspirin that can lead to overdose varies from person to person.

    Urgent advice:

    Call your doctor straight away if:

    You take too much aspirin by accident and experience side effects such as:

    • feeling sick (nausea)
    • ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
    • hearing problems
    • confusion
    • dizziness

    If you need to go to a hospital accident and emergency (A&E) department, do not drive yourself – get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.

    Take the aspirin packet or leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine, with you.

    5. Side effects

    Like all medicines, aspirin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

    Common side effects

    Common side effects of aspirin happen in more than 1 in 100 people.

    Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if the side effects bother you or don’t go away:

    • mild indigestion
    • bleeding more easily than normal – because aspirin thins your blood, it can sometimes make you bleed more easily. For example, you may get nosebleeds and bruise more easily, and if you cut yourself, the bleeding may take longer than normal to stop.

    Serious side effects

    It happens rarely, but some people have serious side effects after taking low-dose aspirin.

    Call a doctor straight away if you get:

    • red, blistered and peeling skin
    • coughing up blood or blood in your pee, poo or vomit
    • yellow skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow – this can be a sign of liver problems
    • painful joints in the hands and feet – this can be a sign of high levels of uric acid in the blood
    • swollen hands or feet – this can be a sign of water retention

    Serious allergic reaction

    In rare cases, it’s possible to have a serious allergic reaction to aspirin.

    Immediate action required:

    Call 999 or go to A&E if:

    • you get a skin rash that may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin
    • you’re wheezing
    • you get tightness in the chest or throat
    • you have trouble breathing or talking
    • your mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling

    You could be having a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.

    These aren’t all the side effects of aspirin.

    For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicines packet.

    Information:

    You can report any suspected side effect to the UK safety scheme.

    6. How to cope with side effects

    What to do about:

    • mild indigestion – take your aspirin with food. If the indigestion still doesn’t go away, it could be a sign that the aspirin has caused a stomach ulcer. Talk to your doctor – they may prescribe something to protect your stomach or switch you to a different medicine.
    • bleeding more easily than normal – be careful when doing activities that might cause an injury or a cut. Always wear a helmet when cycling. Wear gloves when you use sharp objects like scissors, knives, and gardening tools. Use an electric razor instead of wet shaving, and use a soft toothbrush and waxed dental floss to clean your teeth. See a doctor if you’re worried about any bleeding.

    7. Pregnancy and breastfeeding

    Pregnancy and low-dose aspirin

    It’s generally safe to take low-dose aspirin during pregnancy, as long as your doctor has said it’s OK.

    Your doctor may advise you to take low-dose aspirin during pregnancy:

    • to help prevent heart attack and stroke
    • to help prevent pre-eclampsia (pregnancy-related high blood pressure)
    • if you’re having fertility treatment
    • if you have had several previous miscarriages

    For more information about how low-dose aspirin can affect you and your baby during pregnancy, read this leaflet on the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website.

    Breastfeeding and low-dose aspirin

    Aspirin is not generally recommended while you’re breastfeeding.

    But your doctor may suggest that you take low-dose aspirin while you’re breastfeeding if they think the benefits of the medicine outweigh the possible harm.

    Non-urgent advice:

    Tell your doctor if you’re:

    • trying to get pregnant
    • pregnant
    • breastfeeding

    8. Cautions with other medicines

    Some medicines interfere with the way aspirin works.

    Tell your doctor if you’re taking these medicines before you start taking aspirin:

    • medicines to thin blood or prevent blood clots, such as clopidogrel and warfarin – taking them with aspirin might cause bleeding problems
    • medicines for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen and prednisolone
    • medicines to prevent organ rejection after a transplant, such as ciclosporin and tacrolimus
    • medicines to treat high blood pressure, such as furosemide and ramipril
    • digoxin, a medicine for heart problems
    • lithium, a medicine for mental health problems
    • acetazolamide, for an eye problem called glaucoma
    • methotrexate, a medicine used to stop the immune system overreacting and sometimes to treat some types of cancer
    • diabetes medicines, such as insulin and gliclazide

    Mixing low-dose aspirin with painkillers

    It’s safe to take paracetamol with low-dose aspirin.

    But don’t take ibuprofen at the same time as low-dose aspirin without talking to your doctor.

    Aspirin and ibuprofen both belong to the same group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

    If you take them together, it can increase your chances of side effects like stomach irritation.

    Mixing low-dose aspirin with herbal remedies or supplements

    Aspirin may not mix well with quite a lot of complementary and herbal medicines. Aspirin could change the way they work and increase your chances of side effects.

    For safety, speak to your pharmacist or doctor before taking any herbal or alternative remedies with aspirin.

    Important

    Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines, vitamins or supplements.

  • Diarrhoea and Vomiting

    Diarrhoea and Vomiting

    Diarrhoea and vomiting are common in adults, children and babies. They’re often caused by a stomach bug and should stop in a few days.

    The advice is the same if you have diarrhoea and vomiting together or separately.

    How to treat diarrhoea and vomiting yourself

    You can usually treat yourself or your child at home. The most important thing is to have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.

    Do

    • stay at home and get plenty of rest
    • drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash – take small sips if you feel sick
    • carry on breast or bottle feeding your baby – if they’re being sick, try giving small feeds more often than usual
    • give babies on formula or solid foods small sips of water between feeds
    • eat when you feel able to – you don’t need to eat or avoid any specific foods
    • take paracetamol if you’re in discomfort – check the leaflet before giving it to your child

    Don’t

    • do not have fruit juice or fizzy drinks – they can make diarrhoea worse
    • do not make baby formula weaker – use it at its usual strength
    • do not give children under 12 medicine to stop diarrhoea
    • do not give aspirin to children under 16

    How long diarrhoea and vomiting last

    In adults and children:

    • diarrhoea usually stops within 5 to 7 days
    • vomiting usually stops in 1 or 2 days

    Diarrhoea and vomiting can spread easily

    Important

    Stay off school or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least 2 days.

    To help avoid spreading an infection:

    Do

    • wash your hands with soap and water frequently
    • wash any clothing or bedding that has poo or vomit on it separately on a hot wash
    • clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps, surfaces and door handles every day

    Don’t

    • do not prepare food for other people, if possible
    • do not share towels, flannels, cutlery or utensils
    • do not use a swimming pool until 2 weeks after the symptoms stop

    A pharmacist can help if:

    • you or your child (over 5 years) have signs of dehydration – such as dark, smelly pee or peeing less than usual
    • you need to stop diarrhoea for a few hours

    They may recommend:

    • oral rehydration sachets you mix with water to make a drink
    • medicine to stop diarrhoea for a few hours (like loperamide) – not suitable for children under 12
  • HIV Testing Kit

    HIV Testing Kit

    WHAT IS HIV?

    HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. If not treated, this virus can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome or AIDS. This virus attacks the body’s immune system – specifically your CD4 cells or T-cells which help you fight off infections.

    With your immune system compromised, you become more susceptible to other infections and infection-related cancers. Over time, HIV can destroy most of your T-Cells to the point where your body can no longer fight infections and diseases. When this happens, opportunistic infections set in, resulting in AIDS.

    3 STAGES OF HIV

    People who don’t receive HIV treatment go through 3 stages:

    Stage 1: Acute HIV Infection

    Symptoms begin as a flu-like illness that occur within 4 weeks of infection. This can last for a few weeks. During this stage, people infected with HIV are very contagious. Unfortunately, most of those infected are not aware because they may not feel severely sick. An antigen test or nucleic acid (NAT) test is necessary to know if you are infected with HIV or not.

    State 2: HIV Dormancy

    This stage is often referred to as chronic HIV infection or asymptomatic HIV infection. During this phase, HIV becomes dormant or inactive and reproduces very slowly. Usually, this stage doesn’t have any symptoms.

    You can be in this stage of the infection for decades or even longer. Although, there are cases where some people progress through this phase fast. If you are taking HIV treatment, the dormancy stage can last for several decades.

    During this phase, you can still transmit the virus to other people. However, there are HIV treatments that can keep you virally suppressed so you don’t end up transmitting HIV to your sexual partners.

    After dormancy, the virus multiplies rapidly again and symptoms start to show up.

    Stage 3: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

    This is the most severe and final stage of an HIV infection. Because your immune system is badly compromised, you become more likely to fall victim of severe, opportunistic illnesses like:

    • Tuberculosis
    • Pneumonia
    • Cancer
    • Lymphoma
    • Toxoplasmosis (a brain infection caused by a parasite)
    • Cytomegalovirus (a type of herpes)
    • Cryptococcal meningitis (a fungal infection of the brain)

    AIDS-related deaths are not caused by the virus itself. Rather, it’s due to the complication of illnesses caused by a severely weakened immune system. People with AIDS will survive for about 3 years and tend to be very contagious.

    WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF HIV?

    Scientists believe that HIV appeared as early as the 1920s. HIV is a mutation of the Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) that infects African chimpanzees. The virus entered the human population when people ate infected chimpanzee meat. SIV then mutated into what’s now known as HIV.

    For several decades, HIV spread throughout Africa until it found its way to the other parts of the world. It was in 1959 when scientists first discovered HIV in human blood.

    WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HIV?

    HIV can be very tricky to diagnose without professional help. During its dormancy stage which could last for decades, you may not have any symptoms at all. And if you do have symptoms, they’ll most likely be non-specific, meaning they won’t point to a particular disease.

    Below are some examples of these non-specific symptoms:

    • Shingles
    • Headaches
    • Pneumonia
    • Recurring fevers
    • Recurring oral or vaginal yeast infections
    • Night sweats
    • Skin rashes (often characterised by many flat, raised, small red lesions)
    • Nausea
    • Weight loss
    • Diarrhoea
    • Vomiting

    As you can see, these HIV symptoms can point to one disease or another. If you are feeling one or two of these symptoms and you think you’ve been exposed to HIV, get yourself tested.

    WHERE CAN I DO A HIV TEST?

    The simplest way to test for HIV is through using HIV testing kits, as you will get your results within minutes. These kits are available to be delivered discreetly through Express Pharmacy and our BioSure HIV Testing Kit is proven to be 99.7% accurate in testing for HIV.

    High-risk groups, in particular, are advised to get tested for HIV regularly. These groups include:

    • Men who have sex with men – get tested every 3 months if you are having unprotected sex with multiple partners.
    • African men and women – get a HIV test and a regular STI and HIV screen if you are engaging in unprotected sex with multiple partners.
    • People who share syringes and needles

    Sharing your HIV status is not a mandatory requirement, as living with HIV may take time getting used to. However, you and your recent sexual partners must be tested if you have suspicions or a diagnosis.

    IS THERE A CURE FOR HIV?

    Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for HIV. The most effective method we have right now against HIV is antiretroviral treatment. This type of HIV treatment doesn’t eliminate the virus, but it does help to control the growth of HIV, allowing you to live a happy and healthy life.

    HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF FROM HIV?

    Public Health England (PHE) reports that 95% of people diagnosed with HIV have been infected via sexual contact. Using a condom is the main and most effective method of protection. This means using a condom for all types of sexual intercourse, including vaginal, anal and oral sexual activities.

    Another way to protect yourself from HIV is to ensure that you are not sharing needles, syringes or other injecting equipment. This will prevent cross-contamination of bodily fluids.

    WARWICK PHARMACY IS HERE TO HELP

    Understanding HIV and understanding the symptoms can be a daunting process. At Warwick Pharmacy, we want to help you feel confident in your test results and seek professional help, should you require it.