Whelehans Health News

ASK YOUR PHARMACIST Kidney transplant medication advice Part 1 This week I discuss kidney transplant. Anti-rejection medication needs to be taken long term after the transplant. While I specifically deal with kidney transplants, much of the advice I give is true for any type of transplant (eg) Heart, lung, liver. With all the drugs mentioned below, regular blood tests are needed as they can cause blood problems.   Cyclosporin (Neoral®) Cyclosporin prevents the body rejecting the new kidney. If you ever forget to take a dose of Cyclosporin and it is less than 6 hours since the missed dose, take...

To measure cholesterol, a simple blood test is often carried out.

Your GP, or practice nurse, can carry out the blood test, and will take a sample either using a needle and a syringe, or by pricking your finger. We can also check total cholesterol for you in Whelehans Pharmacy.

ASK YOUR PHARMACIST   This is the final in my series on women’s health; this week I discuss osteoporosis. Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a condition where bones lose density causing them to become weak and more likely to fracture. About 50% of women will fracture a bone due to osteoporosis. Whilst the condition can affect any age group, it is most common in post-menopausal women. Causes of osteoporosis Up to our mid-20s our skeleton is strengthened, but from our 40s onwards our bones gradually lose their density as a natural part of ageing. The breakdown of bone is quicker in women...

This week my series on women’s health relates to Period Pain. Dysmenorrhoea (Period related pain) Dysmenorrhoea can be a debilitating problem in women of reproductive age.  The condition can be separated into Primary and Secondary Primary: no underlying condition causing symptoms. Any pain is generally related to a women’s monthly menstrual cycle and usually presents as recurring cramp like symptoms, or abdominal or pelvic pain once her flow starts. Secondary: symptoms are caused by another condition and then perhaps aggravated by menstrual activity. It more likely to occur in women over 40 and causes may include endometriosis, fibroids, endometrial polyps,...