Whelehans Health Blog

Eamonn Brady is a pharmacist and the owner of Whelehans Pharmacy, Pearse St, Mullingar. If you have any health questions e-mail them to info@whelehans.ie or ask our pharmacist in store Codeine is a painkiller that is contained in many over the counter remedies such as headache remedies and cold and flu remedies. It is available in combination with other painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Painkillers containing codeine such as Solpadeine® or Nurofen Plus® are safe if taken at the recommended dose and for no longer than 3 days. Prolonged use of codeine can cause constipation, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, “chronic...

  This is the final of three articles in the Westmeath Topic about kidney transplants and the medication used. This week I discuss preventative medication that must be taken due to the effects of anti-rejection drugs. While I specifically deal with kidney transplants, a lot of the advice given in this series of articles is true for any type of transplant (eg) Heart, lung, liver.     Benefits of Kidney Transplantation Kidney transplants are not a cure but they allow you maintain a normal standard of living. A successful kidney transplant should mean you no longer need dialysis. Energy levels...

  This is the second of three articles in the Westmeath Topic about kidney transplants and the medication used. This week I discuss the medication used to prevent your body rejecting the new kidneys. Anti-rejection medication needs to be taken long term. While I specifically deal with kidney transplants, a lot of the advice given in this series of articles is true for any type of transplant (eg) Heart, lung, liver.   Cyclosporin (Neoral®) Cyclosporin prevents the body rejecting the new kidney. It is available in 100 mg and 25 mg capsules. If you ever forget to take a dose...

This is the first of three articles in the Westmeath Topic about kidney transplants and the medication used. While I specifically deal with kidney transplants, a lot of the advice given in the next few weeks in the Westmeath Topic is true for any type of transplant (eg) Heart, lung, liver. Our kidneys are situated at the lower back behind the stomach, one is situated each side of the spinal cord. The lower ribs act as a cage for the kidneys preventing injury. Each kidney is approximately the size of your fist. The kidneys' main roles are to: filter waste...

With school around the corner most of us are already planning school uniforms, books and most importantly school shoes.  Many clients at The Foot Clinic Mullingar ask what to look for when buying school shoes for their little ones; it can be daunting at times but we’re here to help.  Here are my top tips for buying the perfect fit shoes that will have your little ones hopping, skipping and jumping into the school yard come September. Are you buying the right size shoe? It's not unusual that children get passed down school shoes and a lot of the time...