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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Jan, 26 2026

How to Communicate with Multiple Healthcare Providers About Your Medications

Learn how to prevent dangerous drug interactions by communicating effectively with multiple healthcare providers. Get practical steps to track your meds, ask the right questions, and use pharmacists as allies.
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Jan, 24 2026

Blood Pressure Medications: Types, Side Effects, and Safety

Learn about the main types of blood pressure medications, their side effects, safety risks, and how doctors choose the right one for you. Understand why adherence matters and what to do if your current meds aren’t working.
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Jan, 23 2026

Myasthenia Gravis Treatment: Modern Therapies for Autoimmune Neuromuscular Disorder

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder that disrupts nerve-muscle communication. Modern treatments now target the immune attack directly, offering faster relief and fewer side effects than older drugs. Learn about the latest therapies, from biologics to thymectomy, and what works best for different patient types.
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Jan, 21 2026

Psoriasis as a Chronic Condition: Skin Care and Systemic Therapy Explained

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-driven condition that affects skin and overall health. Learn how topical care, phototherapy, systemic drugs, and biologics work-and why managing heart and mental health is just as important as treating plaques.
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Jan, 20 2026

Methadone and QT Prolongation: Essential ECG Monitoring Guidelines

Methadone can cause dangerous heart rhythm changes through QT prolongation. Learn who’s at risk, when to get an ECG, how to interpret results, and what to do if your QT interval becomes unsafe.
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Jan, 17 2026

Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Understanding Painful Nodules and the Rise of Biologic Therapy

Hidradenitis suppurativa causes painful, recurring nodules and abscesses, especially in armpits and groin. Biologic therapies like adalimumab, secukinumab, and bimekizumab now target the root inflammation, offering real relief where antibiotics failed.
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Jan, 15 2026

Post-Transplant Life: Recognizing Rejection Signs and Sticking to Your Medication

Learn the key signs of liver transplant rejection and why sticking to your medication schedule is the single most important factor in long-term survival. Real data, real stories, real survival rates.
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Jan, 13 2026

Thiazide Diuretics and Gout: What You Need to Know About Uric Acid Risks

Thiazide diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide can raise uric acid levels and trigger gout attacks, especially in people with risk factors. Learn how this happens, who's most at risk, and what alternatives exist.
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Jan, 9 2026

Post-Surgical Pain Management: Multimodal Strategies to Reduce Opioid Use

Multimodal analgesia reduces opioid use after surgery by combining non-opioid medications and techniques like nerve blocks. Learn how this approach cuts pain, side effects, and hospital stays - and why it's now the standard of care.
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Jan, 6 2026

Meglitinides and Hypoglycemia: Why Skipping Meals Is Dangerous with These Diabetes Drugs

Meglitinides like repaglinide and nateglinide help manage post-meal blood sugar in type 2 diabetes but carry a high risk of hypoglycemia if meals are skipped. Learn who's most at risk and how to use them safely.