Orlistat review: Can you achieve a weight loss?
As many of us are aware, losing weight can be difficult. Intake of dietary fat (‘bad fat’) can significantly increase calorie intake and contribute to overall obesity. Orlistat is one of two drugs available in the UK for the management of obesity. Orlistat stops the absorption of fats in the body, causing weight loss. The following main areas will be covered by Orlistat review: Orlistat (P) and Orlistat (POM) what is the difference? Who can buy Orlistat? Orlistat review of mechanism of action Can you get Orlistat on the NHS? Orlistat review of the effectiveness Orlistat review of side effects Drug interactions
Feminax Ultra for gout. Can it be used?
Each tablet of Feminax Ultra contains 250mg of Naproxen as an active ingredient. The licensed use of Feminax Ultra is in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. Naproxen is recommended as one of the first-line drugs in the management of acute gout attack. Is it possible to use of Feminax Ultra for gout?
15 Most Prescribed Drugs in the UK
In this post, I am looking at the most prescribed drugs in the UK. In brief, I review their indicated use and comment on possible causes of drug popularity. 15 most prescribed drugs in the UK are used for the treatment of the following conditions: Cholesterol-lowering drugs: Atorvastatin, Simvastatin Hypothyroidism: hormone Levothyroxine Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD): Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) including Omeprazole and Lansoprazole Cardiovascular drugs: High blood pressure drugs: Amlodipine, Ramipril Heart failure, angina: Bisoprolol Anti-diabetic drugs: Metformin Asthma: Salbutamol Painkillers: Co-codamol and paracetamol
Chilblains treatment at home? No problem.
Chilblains is a condition characterised by painful, itchy and red swellings of the skin, affecting mainly toes, fingers and ear, caused by exposure to cold, which causes narrowing of the blood vessels and consequently poor circulation. Chilblains is self-limiting condition meaning, it resolves itself without any treatment. Prolonged chilblains may require a GP intervention. Chilblains treatment may involve symptomatic management of pain and avoidance of cold and damp conditions to prevent further events of chilblains.
Vicks First Defence review: Are you being FOOLED?
One day whilst working in a pharmacy I was approached by an elderly gentleman who asked me if we sold Vicks First defence Nasal Spray. I directed him to a general sale aisle. Just before departing, the gentlemen said, ‘It must be good, all nurses in Addenbrookes [ward] use it’. I have never paid attention to Vicks First Defence nasal spray. I have never recommended it to any customer, but after I heard this statement, I needed to find out more about the product hence, Vicks First defence review. I wondered if Addenbrooke’s nurses did their research or possibly a drug rep visited the ward in question (unlikely), or maybe…
Most common High Blood Pressure medication treatment
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a common condition affecting one third of the UK population. It is estimated that more than 5.5 mln people in the UK live with undiagnosed blood pressure (GOV.UK, 2017). When left untreated, high blood pressure increases the risk of getting a heart attack or stroke and/or other long term health conditions. This post focuses on high blood pressure medication treatment. The main drugs used in the treatment will be reviewed according to NICE guideline and prescribing popularity in the UK.
Nexium Control review. Is Nexium the best PPI?
Nexium Control is a branded version of esomeprazole drug, available without a prescription for treatment of heartburn and acid reflux in adults over 18 years of age. Nexium Control is available in the form of gastro-resistant tablets and capsules both containing 20mg of esomeprazole. Nexium Control is advertised as a product that gives relief from a single dose for 24 hours. In this post, I will review indications, possible side effects, interactions and effectiveness of Nexium Control in comparison to other proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). I will also write about the availability of Nexium (esomeprazole) on NHS.
Ranitidine and cancer: what is the risk?
Ranitidine and cancer risk: a scary though for many patients. Global market for ranitidine has been in turmoil last month, when firstly The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalled number of products containing ranitidine (including branded Zantac) and shortly afterward, in UK, The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) recalled number of products due to possible contamination with N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), which has genotoxic and carcinogenic potential (a substance that could possibly cause cancer). Ranitidine – cancer scare was born. Ranitidine is a commonly prescribed medication used mainly for the treatment of acid reflux and stomach ulcers. At a lower dose of 75mg per tablet, ranitidine can be purchased…
Can you take paracetamol with … ?
Paracetamol is one of the most commonly purchased over the counter medication. It is still one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the UK with more than 17mln items prescribed in the last 12 months (Sep ’18—Aug ’19), costing NHS over £46 mln (Openprescribing.net, 2019). I previously wrote a couple of posts on use of paracetamol and naproxen and paracetamol and ibuprofen. Can you take paracetamol with … covers concomitant use of paracetamol with other common drugs, purchased from the pharmacy or prescribed.
Creams to reduce bruising
Bruises are mostly formed as a result of the injury, causing local skin discoloration. Generally, bruises do not require medical treatment and go on their own within a couple of weeks. A couple of creams to reduce bruising can be purchased over the counter and/or from the pharmacy. Nelsons Arnicare Arnica cream and Hirudoid cream can be used to help with bruising.
