Health and Medicine Articles from The Independent Pharmacy

Welcome to the hub where you can quickly find useful UK health and medicine info. We cover real‑world topics that matter to you – from surgery options to everyday drug side effects.

What You’ll Find Here

Each article is written in plain language, so you don’t need a medical degree to understand it. Want to know how surgery can help people with acromegaly? We explain why doctors aim to remove the pituitary tumor and what other treatments might be needed if surgery isn’t possible.

Curious about flu control on a cruise ship? Learn why oseltamivir is a go‑to antiviral, how early dosing cuts down spread, and why having a stock on board can make a big difference during an outbreak.

Practical Drug Insights

We also dig into antibiotics and their quirks. Nitrofurantoin, for example, targets bacteria directly in the urinary tract and may be a long‑term option for chronic UTIs, but you still need a doctor’s OK before starting.

Ever heard that some meds can affect your love life? Carbamazepine, an anti‑epileptic, can lower libido or cause erectile issues. We share simple steps to talk with your doctor, consider dosage tweaks, or explore alternative medicines.

And there’s the tendon warning you might have missed. Ciprofloxacin, a common flu‑shot antibiotic, has been linked to tendon weakening. Staying hydrated, following the prescription exactly, and reporting any sudden joint pain can keep you safe.

All of these pieces are part of a bigger picture – making sure you have the facts you need to make smart health choices without the jargon.

Feel free to browse the articles, pick the one that matches your question, and take away a clear action step. Whether you’re planning a trip, dealing with a chronic condition, or just staying informed, we’ve got concise, trustworthy info ready for you.

Got a specific question after reading? Our referral system can point you to a UK pharmacist or doctor who can help you further.

Thanks for stopping by – we hope you leave with a better grasp of your health and medicine options.

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Nov, 19 2025

How to Prevent Early Refills and Duplicate Therapy Mistakes in Pharmacy Practice

Learn how pharmacists can prevent dangerous early refills and duplicate therapy mistakes using proven protocols, technology, and clinical checks. Reduce overdose risks and improve patient safety with actionable systems.
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Nov, 19 2025

Lung Cancer Screening for Smokers and the Rise of Targeted Therapies

Lung cancer screening with low-dose CT scans saves lives when done early. Learn who qualifies, how targeted therapies are changing survival rates, and why so few eligible smokers are getting screened.
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Nov, 18 2025

Omeprazole and Exercise: How This Medication Affects Your Fitness Routine

Omeprazole can affect nutrient absorption, muscle recovery, and energy levels during exercise. Learn how this common acid reducer impacts fitness and what steps you can take to stay strong and healthy.
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Nov, 18 2025

Safe Steroid Taper Schedules to Prevent Adrenal Crisis: Real Examples

Learn real, evidence-based steroid taper schedules to prevent adrenal crisis. Get step-by-step examples for prednisone and hydrocortisone, plus when to test recovery and how to stay safe during illness.
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Nov, 18 2025

How Prolonged Steroid Use Leads to Bone Loss and Increases Osteoporosis Risk

Prolonged steroid use accelerates bone loss and significantly raises osteoporosis risk-even at low doses. Learn how steroids weaken bones, who’s most at risk, and proven steps to protect your skeleton.
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Nov, 16 2025

Reversibility of Blood Thinners: How Reversal Agents Work in Emergencies

Blood thinners save lives but can cause dangerous bleeding. Learn how reversal agents like idarucizumab and andexanet alfa stop bleeding fast, their real-world effectiveness, costs, and what happens in an emergency.
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Nov, 12 2025

Combining Multiple Sedatives: The Hidden Danger of CNS Depression

Combining sedatives like opioids, benzodiazepines, and alcohol can cause life-threatening central nervous system depression. Learn the hidden risks, who's most vulnerable, and how to stay safe.
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Nov, 10 2025

SGLT2 Inhibitors for Type 2 Diabetes: What You Need to Know About Benefits and Risks

SGLT2 inhibitors like Jardiance and Farxiga lower blood sugar, help with weight loss, and protect the heart and kidneys - but come with risks like yeast infections and rare ketoacidosis. Learn who benefits most and what to watch for.
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Nov, 6 2025

Nifedipine and Glaucoma: What You Need to Know About Eye Safety

Nifedipine is generally safe for people with glaucoma, but it can slightly raise eye pressure in some. Learn how to monitor risks, recognize warning signs, and work with your doctors to balance heart and eye health.
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Oct, 31 2025

Compare Exelon (Rivastigmine) with Other Dementia Medications

Exelon (rivastigmine) helps manage dementia symptoms but isn't the only option. Learn how it compares to donepezil, galantamine, and memantine - including side effects, dosing, and real-world effectiveness.