Whelehans Health Blog

Medicine Shortages in Ireland Reasons  Part 1   In Ireland, nearly 40% of people in the last two years have been affected by medicine shortages. Medicines in short supply have included treatments for pain, blood pressure, respiratory illnesses, HRT, ADHD, digestive conditions, and arthritis. The real/main reason Ireland has more medicine shortages than other EU countries (i.e.) low cost paid for generics   The Umbrella Group, Medicines for Ireland which represents companies supplying generic medicines and represent companies that supply 60% of all prescription medication consumed in Ireland were quoted last year that they “very low prices pose a risk to...

Situations where excess earwax becomes an emergency Whelehans Earwax removal service can be booked on the Whelehans website www.whelehans.ie (top bar on website). Excess earwax can contribute to medical emergencies.   1. Sudden and Severe Hearing Loss If earwax completely blocks the ear canal, it can cause sudden hearing loss. While not life-threatening, it can be alarming and may require urgent removal, especially for individuals who rely on hearing aids or have pre-existing hearing impairments.   2. Extreme Dizziness or Vertigo Impacted wax pressing against the eardrum or inner ear can disrupt balance, causing severe dizziness (vertigo). If vertigo is...

New Drugs for resistant cholesterol   New Non-Statin Cholesterol Medication PCSK9 inhibitors are a new class of cholesterol-lowering drugs that are reserved for persistently high cholesterol not controlled by medication such as statin alone.   PCSK9 inhibitors PCSK9 inhibitors show excellent results in bringing down non-HDL levels in certain high-risk patients. They work by blocking a protein called PCSK9, which has a role in moderating cholesterol levels in the blood.In June 2016, NICE recommended two PCSK9 inhibitor drugs for the NHS – Repatha® (evolocumab) and Praluent® (alirocumab) for treating certain patients who cannot tolerate statins or have reached the maximum statin dose without sufficient...

Why Visit a Pharmacy? It may seem obvious, but there is more to pharmacy than just prescriptions, over the counter medicines and toiletries. Pharmacies play a crucial role in healthcare, offering convenient access to medications, professional advice, and essential health services. Visiting a pharmacy provides several benefits that contribute to overall well-being.   Expert Health Advice Pharmacists are highly trained professionals who can provide immediate medical advice on minor illnesses, medication management, and lifestyle changes. Unlike GP visits, no appointment is needed, making pharmacies a quick and accessible healthcare resource. Al  pharmacies are now fitted with a private consultation room...

Why You Should Get Your Hearing Checked   Hearing loss often develops gradually, making it easy to overlook until it significantly impacts daily life.   Early Detection of Hearing Loss Many people don’t realise they have hearing loss until it becomes severe. Regular hearing tests help identify issues early, allowing for timely intervention with hearing aids or treatment to prevent further deterioration.   Improved Communication and Quality of Life Untreated hearing loss can make conversations difficult, leading to frustration, misunderstandings, and social withdrawal.   Prevent Cognitive Decline Studies show hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline, dementia, and memory.. Early...