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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Feb, 3 2026

Weight Loss Medications: GLP-1 Agonists vs. Older Drugs - What Actually Works

GLP-1 agonists like Wegovy and Zepbound offer far greater weight loss than older drugs, but come with high costs and side effects. Here's how they compare in real-world use, effectiveness, and accessibility.
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Feb, 2 2026

Antiretroviral Generics in Africa: How Local Production Is Transforming HIV Treatment Access

African-made antiretroviral generics are transforming HIV treatment access, reducing reliance on imports, cutting costs, and building local health sovereignty. With WHO-prequalified drugs like TLD now in use, the continent is on track to produce 20-30% of its own HIV medicines by 2030.
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Jan, 28 2026

Evening Primrose Oil and Seizure Risk: What You Need to Know About Antipsychotic Interactions

Evening primrose oil may interact with antipsychotics and lower seizure threshold, but evidence is conflicting. Learn what the latest research says, which drugs are most risky, and what to do if you're taking both.
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Jan, 27 2026

Orthostatic Hypotension from Medications: Why You Feel Dizzy When You Stand Up

Orthostatic hypotension from medications causes dizziness when standing up due to blood pressure drops. Common culprits include blood pressure pills, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. Learn how to spot it, what to do, and how to prevent falls.
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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.