We are an NHS Community Pharmacy serving the people of Harrow.
Premises GPhC Number: 1035014We keep a carefully selected range of alternative, natural, homeopathic and herbal medicines and are always glad to advise on what’s best for you.
Salbutamol Inhaler without a prescription or needing to see your GP
A pharmacist is another health expert you can turn to for asthma advice and support and you usually don't need an appointment. As well as your GP or asthma nurse, your local pharmacist is another highly trained healthcare professional who can answer questions about your asthma. If you have any concerns about your asthma, you can just walk into our pharmacy and ask to see the pharmacist.
This is useful because:
- you don't need an appointment
- our pharmacy are open outside GP surgery hours
- our pharmacy have a private consultation room
- you can ask about free prescription collection services, peak flow checks, stop smoking and losing weight advice.
Ask the pharmacist how to get the best from your asthma medicines. You can ask your pharmacist about the asthma medicines you've been prescribed. This is useful if you have concerns about things like side effects, using your inhaler, or your inhaler not working properly.
You can also ask about any over-the-counter medicines you're taking to help your asthma, such as anti-histamines for hay fever.
Whether its preparing for the arrival of your newborn, or you already are a parent you will find everything you need in our mother and baby ranges. We have everything from nappies and baby wipes to shampoo shields, baby food and baby clothes.
We know being a parent can be challenging at times, if you need any help or advice please speak to our pharmacist who can help.
Check your blood pressure
The only way of knowing whether you have high blood pressure is to have a blood pressure test.
All adults over 40 are advised to have their blood pressure checked at least every 5 years. Getting this done is easy and could save your life.
You can get your blood pressure tested at a number of places, including at our pharmacies. If you've not been diagnosed with high blood pressure and would like to get yours checked, contact or visit one of our branches.
If we find any potential signs of high blood pressure, we will refer you to your GP for further investigation and treatment if appropriate.
Body composition is a simple test that measures your body mass index, body fat, skeletal muscle percentages and waist circumference. A body composition test is one way to determine if your weight is healthy for your height since being overweight can strain your heart and lead to serious health problems.
A body composition test is recommended for everyone to for better insight into their health. Body composition testing is available at our Pharmacy for patients 18 and over.
treatment for chlamydia without needing to see your GP
Community Pharmacy Consultation Service (CPCS)
Contraception services are free and confidential, including for people under the age of 16.
If you're under 16 and want contraception, this is a confidential service and we will not inform your parents (or carer) as long as we believe you fully understand the information you're given, and your decisions.
*Only available to under 25's. Conditions apply. Please contact us for further information.
Why book here for oral contraception?
If you have been taking the same oral contraceptive pill for at least a year and want a repeat prescription, you can buy it through this service.
What am I booking?
This service from your Pharmacist is a private (paid for) service for the supply of oral contraception of the same brand you have been prescribed by your GP practice or family planning clinic within the last six months.
The types of contraceptive pills available with this service are:
Progestogen-only pills (sometimes called the ‘mini pill’) for women aged 18-49 years.
Combined oral contraceptive pills (sometimes called ‘the pill’) for women aged 16-49 years (18-49 for Qlaira and Zoely). If you are aged under 18, this service must be booked for you by your parent or guardian.
Is this service right for me?
This service is only suitable for you if you have been taking the same pill for at least a year – please provide documentation (eg a repeat prescription slip) to prove this if you can.
It is not suitable for you if:
There is any chance you could be pregnant; or
You have had any unexplained vaginal bleeding; or
You have had any new symptoms or medical conditions, or changes to an existing medical condition, since you had your last pill prescription issued.
You will need to have had a pill check in the last year with your GP or Practice Nurse where your blood pressure and BMI (weight and height) were checked. You will also need to have had a cervical screening test in the last three years if you are over 25.
About the oral contraceptive pill
There are two main types of oral contraceptive pill. The combined oral contraceptive (COC) pill contains two hormones – an oestrogen and a progestogen. It used to be recommended that women take a tablet every day for three weeks, then take a week off during which they would have a period. This guidance has now changed and some women may choose to take several packs of COC without a break.
The progestogen-only pill contains one hormone – a type of progestogen. This pill needs to be taken at the same time every day, without a break.
You can find out more about the COC and progestogen-only pill, including options for taking it, in the link below.
How much will it cost?
The price you will be quoted is for your consultation and six months’ supply of medication. The actual price you are charged may be higher if you and your Pharmacist agree that a slightly different treatment is most appropriate following consultation.
Is this service available on the NHS?
This service may be available to you free on the NHS from your GP.
We offer a wide range of the latest dental care products and accessories to help keep your gums and teeth in tip top condition. Please call or visit.
If you have had sex without using contraception, or you think your contraception has failed, you may be able to use Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC). Every consultation is private and confidential and will be in a private consultation room. Our fully trained and accredited Pharmacist will supply EHC when appropriate to clients in line with the requirements of a locally agreed Patient Group Direction (PGD).
The PGD will specify the age range of clients that are eligible for the service; it may facilitate supply to young persons under 16 in appropriate circumstances. We will also provide support and advice to clients accessing the service, including advice on the avoidance of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) through safer sex and condom use, advice on the use of regular contraceptive methods and provide onward signposting to services that provide long-term contraceptive methods and diagnosis and management of STI’s. * Only available if commissioned in accordance with a local agreement.
No appointments needed, easily accessible location and just a quick consultation, we ensure a hassle free service to all our patients. Simply walk in and ask to speak to our friendly and professional pharmacist about the morning after pill.
Our pharmacist will need to see the person that the emergency contraception is intended for, and will need to ask a few questions regarding the patients’ medical history. This is done in the privacy of our consultation room and everything discussed is in complete confidence. The sooner you come to our pharmacy to take the morning after pill, the greater the chances of avoiding pregnancy.
If the Pharmacist feels like Levonelle One Step is not suitable for you, they will not give you the morning after pill, but advise you to see your health care professional.
We are one of the few pharmacies that are able to provide the morning after pill free of charge to patients who are aged 24 and under, and who meet the NHS criteria. Alternatively, the pill can be purchased privately from our pharmacy.
About Emergency Contraception (Levonelle One Step) -
When it comes to sex, even if you’ve taken precautions, sometimes things don’t quite go to plan. Accidents happen with contraception and things go wrong all the time. You may even just be worried that your contraceptive pill hasn’t worked. If you’ve had unprotected sex or you’re worried about contraception failure, here is some of the information you need to know about Levonelle One Step -
- Levonelle One Step is an emergency contraceptive that can be used within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex or if your contraceptive method has failed.
- There is one white tablet in the pack and it is most effective when taken within the first 12 hours
- The tablet contains a hormone called Levonorgestrel.
- Levonelle One Step is thought to work by stopping your ovaries from releasing an egg or by preventing sperm from fertilising any egg that may have already been released
- If you are over 16 you can get Levonelle One Step over the counter at our Pharmacy
- If you are under 16 you cannot buy Levonelle One Step at the Pharmacy, you need to visit your GP or a Walk-In centre
- Levonelle One Step works to prevent a pregnancy becoming established, it does not work if you are already pregnant
- You should only use Levonelle One Step in emergencies, not as a regular form of contraception
Please note, there are other emergency contraceptive options available through your doctor or at a Walk-In centre.
If you do have any questions or require any further information please do not hesitate to contact us.
Erection problems (impotence) are very common, particularly in men over 40. It's usually nothing to worry about, but you should see a GP if it keeps happening.
Most men occasionally fail to get or keep an erection. Causes of erection problems can be stress, tiredness, anxiety or drinking too much alcohol, and it's nothing to worry about.
If it happens more often, it may be caused by physical or emotional problems.
Medicine such as sildenafil is often used by doctors to treat erectile dysfunction. It is also available from our pharmacy. You no longer need a prescription to get sildenafil. You can have a private consultation with our pharmacist to make sure it's safe for you to take it.
We stock a range of perfumes please call or visit
Make life easier for yourself and let us order your prescription on your behalf. Simply let us know what repeat medicines you need, a few days before they run out and we will arrange to collect it from your Doctor's surgery.
Is hair loss causing you distress? Are you worried about what to do? Losing your hair can greatly affect your confidence and self-esteem. It is an issue that affects both men and women, with male pattern baldness being the most common form. Most men are affected by male pattern baldness as they get older, but unfortunately, some men do start to suffer much earlier in life. But for both men and women even signs of slight thinning can cause concerns.
Whether you are dealing with hair loss, or even if you just want to get a head start to help ensure your hair stays healthy for as long as possible, we offer a range of products for both men and women. From vitamins and supplements to foams and shampoos, we even have products to help conceal thinning hair.
One of the main hair loss treatments we also offer is Finasteride (Propecia). Men who suffer from male pattern baldness are sensitive to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone, which causes damage to hair follicles. Finasteride (Propecia) is a prescription strength treatment that reduces the level of this particular hormone, and in turn reverses any balding. If you think you could benefit from this treatment come in store today, and speak to our pharmacist for a quick consultation to see if the treatment is suitable for you. If it is, you should be able to take the medication away with you that day. Please note, the medication is chargeable and is for men only.
Always keep in mind that hair regrowth isn’t instant and takes time. Results may vary from person to person and in some cases products must be used continuously to maintain the effects. But the earlier you start helping to maintain normal healthy hair growth, the better.
If you are worried about hair loss then come in store today and speak to a pharmacist about your options. Our pharmacists are trained to make sure they have the right knowledge and skills in order to help you with any concerns you may have.
Healthy Start Vitamins help you to prevent vitamin deficiencies and maintain normal growth and health in you are your child. Our pharmacy provides FREE Healthy Start Vitamins on production of a voucher. Please ask the pharmacist for more information
Prescription strength melatonin (Circadin ) to treat jet lag without a prescription
The Medication Care and Review (MCR) service, formerly known as CMS, is a serial prescription service. Register with Lightburn Pharmacy to have your regular repeat medication dispensed and ready for you to collect.
A serial prescription is a prescription for medicines you need to treat your long-term condition (your repeat medication).
It looks like a normal prescription but lasts for 24 or 48 weeks.
With a serial prescription, you can get your repeat medicines directly from the pharmacy where you are registered.
You won’t need to see or phone the Doctor to request your medication.
Serial prescriptions last for either 24 or 48 weeks and Lightburn Pharmacy will dispense it in instalments (either every month or every 2 months depending on your GP’s instructions).
The Pharmacy will have your prescription ready for you when you need it, so you don’t have to wait in the pharmacy.
The Pharmacy will keep your serial prescription in the Pharmacy.
Ask at the Pharmacy to be registered and speak to your GP to issue you with a serial prescription rather than a standard repeat prescription, your GP will assess your suitability.
Don’t be running around the houses to get your prescription, no more phoning your GP every month to get your prescriptions, no more waiting to get your regular prescription dispensed. Lightburn Pharmacy will comprehensively manage your serial prescriptions, please contact us to get registered today.
Your Prescription ready when you are.
This is an opportunity for our pharmacist to discuss and review the medicines you are taking to ensure you are using them correctly and getting the maximum benefit. We will explain clearly and simply, without any medical jargon, what they are for and the conditions they treat and identify any possible side effects that you may be experiencing. We will listen to you and any problems you are having with your medicines, provide advice and support and if necessary contact your Doctor to discuss any issues that arise from our conversation.
An MUR can help:
- improve your understanding of the medicines you are taking;
- highlight problematic side effects and propose solutions where appropriate;
- improve adherence
- reduce medicines wastage, usually by helping you only order the medicines you need
Our pharmacist may be able to conduct an MUR over the telephone or for eligible patient
Norethisterone to delay menstruation without seeing the GP
Prescription strength migraine treatment without having to see your GP
It is important that you take the right dose of your prescribed medicines at the right time each day to get the most from your medicines to control your condition(s) as much as possible. This can sometimes be difficult if you take more than one medicine. One way in which this can be made easier is for your medicines to be supplied in a Monitored Dosage System, which provides you with a separate compartment for each dosage time of the day.
A monitored dosage system (MDS) is a medication storage device designed to simplify the administration of solid oral dose medication, especially for those on multiple medications. It aims to address the issues of difficulty accessing medication due to sight impairment or other disability and/or forgetfulness.
MDS devices are usually a variation on the design of a box or a blister pack, divided into days of the week with several compartments per day to allow for the different timing of doses such as breakfast, lunch, dinner and bedtime.
Our Pharmacist can help identify which patients this type of system would be suitable for.
MDS may be suitable for patients in the following circumstances:
- You struggle to organise medications and find it difficult to remember to take them at the correct time each day
- You have a large number of medications to take each day
- You find it difficult to remove medication from its packaging
- You have a carer who helps you to ensure you take your medicines correctly.
Ask a member of our pharmacy team about whether this service would benefit you or whether there is another course of action, which may be of more help.
Each winter, a different strain of flu causes a flu outbreak (seasonal flu). That’s why it is so important to have the flu vaccination if you want to be protected, even if you had it last year.
CORONAVIRUS ALERT You must not book a face-to-face consultation if:
Within the last 7 days you have had, or continue to have, any of the following symptoms:
A new continuous cough.
A high temperature.
A loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell. (If you have been tested for these symptoms and your test is negative, you may attend if you bring a copy of your test result with you and your condition has not worsened since the test was taken.)
You or a member of your household are currently required to self-isolate as per government guidance.
Why book here for NHS flu vaccination?
Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus. Unlike the common cold, it can cause serious illness and is responsible for many thousands of deaths a year in the UK.
People at higher risk of serious complications from flu are eligible to have a free NHS flu vaccine every year. You can find out if you are in one of these groups by using our flu eligibility checker on the Patient Access home page. If you are eligible, or if you have been invited for a flu vaccination by your GP practice this year, you can book a free flu vaccination with your Pharmacist using this service.
What am I booking?
This is a free (NHS) service for a single flu vaccine from your Pharmacist, which will protect you until next winter.
Is this service right for me?
This service is for people aged 18-64 years. It is not suitable for you if you:
Have a severe allergy to eggs; or
Have had an allergic reaction to a previous dose of flu vaccine; or
Have a severe allergy to latex (some pharmacists may still be able to offer this service as most versions of the flu vaccine are completely latex-free – please consult your Pharmacist); or
Are currently unwell with a fever (please re-book when you have recovered).
Are taking warfarin medication, unless your blood tests are in the correct range – your Pharmacist can advise.
Have already had a flu vaccination since September 2020.
Please note that people in England aged 50-64 years who do not have underlying health conditions etc are now eligible for NHS flu vaccination. Please use the Patient Access flu eligibility checker on the Patient Access home page to find out more.
People in Scotland aged 60-64 years should receive a letter inviting them to book an NHS flu vaccine in December and people in Scotland aged 55-59 years old should wait to receive information from NHS Scotland.
About flu
Symptoms of flu include:
Fever.
Sweating.
Aches and pains.
Dry cough.
Sore throat.
Headache.
Feeling sick.
The symptoms are much more severe than those of a normal cold. Complications include ear infections, bronchitis and pneumonia.
About flu vaccination
There is a new flu vaccine each year, which protects against the four strains of flu most likely to cause outbreaks for that year. It is given as an injection in the arm.
The flu vaccine is normally given in October or November (but can be given later).
When you are prescribed a new medicine by your doctor our pharmacists can offer support and advice to ensure you take the new medication as prescribed without suffering any unwanted side effects or explain any further questions you may have. We usually do this by keeping in contact with you during the first 4 weeks of your new medicine being prescribed.
The service is only available for people living in England, and only for those who have been prescribed a new medicine for the conditions listed:
- asthma
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- type 2 diabetes
- high blood pressure
- people who have been given a new blood-thinning medicine
The NMS can help:
- improve your adherence (taking your medicines correctly) which will generally lead to better health outcomes
- increase your engagement with your condition and medicines, supporting you to make decisions about your treatment and self-management
- reduce medicines wastage
- reduce hospital admissions due to adverse events from medicines
We care about your long term health and if you are a smoker who wants to quit, but think you need help to kick the habit, our award winning Stop Smoking Service might be just what you are looking for. We have had many successes over the years and wish to help you kick the habit.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Smoking is the biggest cause of preventable deaths accounting for more than 80,000 deaths each year. One in two smokers will die from a smoking related disease. If you could see the damage you would stop.
Circulation
When you smoke, the poisons from the tar in your cigarettes enter your blood. These poisons in your blood then:
- Make your blood thicker, and increase chances of clot formation
- Increase your blood pressure and heart rate, making your hear work harder than normal
- Narrow your arteries, reducing the amount of oxygen rick blood circulating in your organs.
Together these changes to your body when you smoke increase the chance of your arteries narrowing and clots forming which could lead to heart attack and stroke.
Stomach
Smokers have an increased chance of getting stomach cancer or ulcers. Smoking is a significant risk factor for developing kidney cancer and the more you smoke the greater the risk.
Skin
Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen that gets to your skin. This means your skin ages more quickly and looks grey and dull. The toxins in your body also cause cellulite. Smoking prematurely ages your skin by between 10 and 20 years increasing wrinkling particularly around the eyes and mouth. The only way to prevent further deterioration is to stop smoking.
Bones
Smoking can cause your bones to become weak and brittle predisposing to brittle bones (osteoporosis).
Brain
Smokers are more likely to have a stroke than someone who doesn’t smoke. Within two years of stopping smoking your risk of stoke is reduced to half that of a smoker and within five years it will be the same as a non-smoker.
Lungs
Your lungs can be very badly affected by smoking. Coughs, colds, wheezing and asthma are just the start. Smoking can cause fatal diseases such as pneumonia emphysema, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. You can slow down the progression of some of the diseases by stopping smoking.
Mouth and throat
Smoking causes unattractive problems such as bad breath and stained teeth and can cause gum disease and damage your taste.
Reproduction
Smoking can cause male impotence as it damages blood vessels that supply blood to the penis. It can also damage sperm and cause testicular cancer. For women smoking reduces fertility. One study estimated the fertility of smoking women was 72% of that of a non smoker. Smoking also increases the risk of cervical cancer. Smoking while pregnant can lead to miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth and illness and increases cot death by 25%.
The good news is you can stop smoking and we are here to help.
Services we offer include:
- Complete and effective ordering of Medication and Appliances
- Fast and efficient Delivery Service
- Safe Storage of Medication
- Thorough Record Keeping for any Audit purposes
- Highly trained and experienced staff who understand the demands of a Nursing/Care home
- Medicines Use Review for your residents
- Help with training and development of your staff
How can I delay my period?
There's no guaranteed way to delay your period, but it may be possible if you take the combined contraceptive pill. If you take a combined contraceptive pill, you can delay your period by taking 2 packets back-to-back.
How you do this will depend on which pill you take. Examples are:
- monophasic 21-day pills, such as Microgynon and Cilest – you take a combined pill for 21 days, followed by 7 days without pills, when you have a bleed (period). To delay your period, start a new packet of pills straight after you finish the last pill and miss out the 7-day break.
- everyday (ED) pills, such as Microgynon ED and Lorynon ED – you take a combined pill every day. The first 21 pills are active pills and the next 7 pills are inactive or dummy pills, when you have your period. To delay your period, miss out and throw away the dummy pills, and start the active pills in a new packet straight away.
- phasic 21-day pills, such as Binovium, Qlaira and Logynon – the mix of hormones in each pill is different, depending on which phase you're in. You need to take these pills in the correct order to have effective contraception. Ask your pharmacist, community contraception clinic or GP for more information.
Taking your contraceptive pills in the ways described above will not affect how they work as contraceptives. If you're not sure which pill you're on or which pills in the packet to miss out, speak to our pharmacist, community contraception clinic or GP.
Avoid taking more than 2 packs without a break, unless your GP says you can.
There's a risk you could experience side effects, such as:
- feeling sick
- being sick
- diarrhoea
- unexpected vaginal bleeding
Progestogen-only contraceptive pill
If you're taking a progestogen-only contraceptive pill, you cannot delay your period by taking 2 packets back-to-back. You may be able to switch to the combined contraceptive pill or take another medication to delay your period. If you're not sure which type of pill you're taking, speak to our pharmacist.
If you do not take a contraceptive pill
See your GP for advice if you want to delay your period and you're not taking the combined contraceptive pill.
After consultation our pharmacists are able to prescribe medication called norethisterone to delay your period, you will be advised you when to take norethisterone and for how long. You'll usually be prescribed 3 norethisterone tablets a day, starting 3 to 4 days before you expect your period to begin. Your period should arrive 2 to 3 days after you stop taking the medication. Please note, Norethisterone does not act as a contraceptive when used in this way, so you could still get pregnant. You'll need to use another type of contraceptive, such as a condom. Norethisterone may not be suitable if you have a history of blood clots.
How well it works in delaying periods also varies between women. Some women taking norethisterone have reported side effects, such as:
- breast tenderness
- nausea
- breast tenderness
- nausea
- headache
- disturbances in mood and sex drive
- headache
- disturbances in mood and sex drive
Switching to, or starting, the combined contraceptive pill
If you currently use another type of contraception, switching to the combined contraceptive pill will allow you to delay your period. You may also be able to start taking the combined pill if you do not already use contraception. You may need to start taking this pill several weeks before the time when you want to delay your period, and it's not suitable for everyone. If you're switching to or starting the combined contraceptive pill, you might need to use additional contraception during the first few days of taking it.
Ask our pharmacist for more information and advice.
Proctosedyl Suppositories and Ointment prescription strength treatment without the need to see your GP
We recommend you consider getting a flub jab If you don't qualify for an NHS vaccination but are:
- susceptible to colds and chest infections
- are self employed and unable to afford time off work
- would like to protect yourself from flu during peak season
This service is available on a walk in basis without an appointment and there is a charge but please call the pharmacy first.
Antibiotic tonsillitis treatment without a prescription or seeing your GP
The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats we have ever faced, killing more than 8 million people a year around the world. According to the NHS, in the UK alone, smoking kills over 80,000 people every year and a further 500,000 people are admitted into hospital as a direct result of smoking.
Smoking has been linked to countless conditions from depression, infertility and asthma, to the more serious conditions such as lung cancer, emphysema and heart disease. It’s really not surprising that this is the case when you consider how many harmful substances there are in a cigarette. They have thousands of different chemicals, some of which are carcinogenic (cancer causing), and examples of others being acetone (used as nail polish remover), lead and cadmium (a highly toxic metal.)
The truth of the matter is, we all know how bad smoking is for our health, and a majority of smokers will say that they want to quit but giving up can be hard. Especially without the right help and support. That’s where our friendly and professional staff come in!
There is now more support than ever before, not just in the form of information, but also products designed to reduce cravings and to fight off any of the horrible withdrawal symptoms. One of the developments has been the introduction of Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT.) There are a variety of NRT products available:
- Patches
- Gum
- Inhalators
- Mouth Sprays
- Nasal Sprays
- Tablets
- Lozenges
Smoking is addictive because of the nicotine in cigarettes. That is why it is hard to quit. By starting one or even a combination of the above therapies, they will give a smoker a dose of nicotine in their blood. This reduces the nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings, whilst they break away from the psychological habit of smoking.
Our staff can advise you on the best way to kick your smoking habit. By coming in to our store our trained pharmacist will provide you with a free consultation, asking you questions such as how many cigarettes you smoke in a day and what triggers the need for a cigarette etc. By determining your ‘level of nicotine addiction’ the pharmacist will then be able to offer their advice on what they think would work best for you.
The pharmacist may even offer advice in other forms, for example, letting you know about any local support groups, advising you to take up a hobby or even suggesting a routine to start you off.
The benefit of having this support is that we are there 7 days a week whenever you need help, or even just a friendly professional to speak with. It is a proven fact that if you receive support while trying to stop smoking your chance for success is greatly increased.
We can provide a supervised consumption service, usually in the private consultation room in the pharmacy.
Going abroad and need to know which vaccinations you require or need advice on precautions?
We provide travel consultations with experienced staff who will assess the impact of any pre-existing medical conditions on your vaccine requirements. Our competitive pricing and easily accessible location makes us your first choice for all your travel needs
- Expert Travel Consultation
- Hajj and Umrah
- Full range of vaccines in stock including ACWY
- Anti-malarials dispensed on site
- Walk In or Book Over the phone
- We offer a wide range of services at competitive prices
- Our friendly team comprises of healthcare experts including pharmacists
Walk in for a free travel health consultation in our designated private consultation rooms today. We look forward to welcoming you and helping you with all your travel healthcare needs.
A pre-travel risk assessment provides a good opportunity to discuss travel-associated risk management with your pharmacist.
You'll need to contact us to arrange this, ideally 6 to 8 weeks before you leave. If your trip is sooner, contact us anyway as we may still be able to help and could provide vital health information.
During the assessment, we will:
- confirm if you're up-to-date with your routine immunisations
- assess your particular health risks
- recommend any vaccines and/or anti-malarial tablets you may need
Altitude Sickness - the mildest form being acute mountain sickness (AMS), is the negative health effect of high altitude, caused by rapid exposure to low amounts of oxygen at high elevation. Symptoms may include headaches, vomiting, tiredness, trouble sleeping, and dizziness.
Cholera – Common in Africa, Central America and Asia, cholera is an infection spread by bacteria in contaminated food and water.
Diphtheria, Poliomyelitis and Tetanus - This diphtheria, polio and tetanus vaccine may also be recommended if you're travelling to an area of the world where there is a high risk of contracting these diseases, or poor access to medical care, and you haven't had a booster in the last ten years.
Hepatitis A – Contaminated faecal matter spreads hepatitis A, a disease often caught via infected food and water and common across in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and South America.
Hepatitis B – Unprotected sex is usually responsible for hepatitis A infection, along with sharing needles, visiting dirty tattoo parlours, unhygienic barbers shops and nail salons. It’s common in both undeveloped and developed countries.
Japanese Encephalitis – Spread by mosquitoes, there’s no cure for this disease found across South East Asia, Japan, and tropical regions of Australia. There are also occasional epidemics in China and India.
Malaria – A highly dangerous disease spread by infected mosquitoes, malaria is common in the equatorial tropics and subtropics.
Meningitis; ACWY Vaccination for Hajj or Umrah – A bacterial infection, this disease tends to be commonest in sub-Saharan Africa. But it’s also sometimes found where it’s crowded and where there’s imperfect hygiene, for example universities and army camps.
Rabies – Infected animal and human bites and scratches spread this awful disease, which is particularly common in Thailand, Brazil and India.
Tick-borne Encephalitis – A tick-borne virus found in eastern, northern and central Europe as well as eastern Russia, east Asia, China and Japan.
Typhoid – Bacteria are responsible for this infection and it’s found throughout the world, a risk wherever sanitation and hygiene are poor.
We stock a popular range of vitamins and supplements aimed at nutrition, and women's and men's health.
We are here to help you make good choices. If you are struggling losing weight, please ask the pharmacist to help you beat the bulge.
The term obese describes a person who is very overweight. There are two ways of checking your weight status. Firstly, Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of whether you’re a healthy weight for your height. A BMI of > 25 means you are over-weight.
Another measure of excess fat is your waist circumference. Generally, men with a waist circumference of 94cm or more and women with a waist circumference of 80 cm or more are more likely to develop obesity related health problems. These include
Type 2 diabetes, Coronary heart disease, some types of cancer, such as breast cancer and bowel cancer and stroke. If you are worried about diabetes we can give you a diabetic test.
Obesity can also affect your quality of life and lead to psychological problems such as depression and low self-esteem. Please let us help you before your weight gets out of control.
We can offer weight management help. Pharmacists are ideally placed to help you manage your weight as they already provide many health services to customers, including stop smoking services, blood pressure and cholesterol measurements and general advice on nutrition and healthy living. Pharmacists also know when a weight problem can be managed in the pharmacy and when there is a medical problem that needs co-operation with the doctor.
Ask us for advice on how to get started.
We keep a carefully selected range of alternative, natural, homeopathic and herbal medicines and are always glad to advise on what’s best for you.
Salbutamol Inhaler without a prescription or needing to see your GP
A pharmacist is another health expert you can turn to for asthma advice and support and you usually don't need an appointment. As well as your GP or asthma nurse, your local pharmacist is another highly trained healthcare professional who can answer questions about your asthma. If you have any concerns about your asthma, you can just walk into our pharmacy and ask to see the pharmacist.
This is useful because:
- you don't need an appointment
- our pharmacy are open outside GP surgery hours
- our pharmacy have a private consultation room
- you can ask about free prescription collection services, peak flow checks, stop smoking and losing weight advice.
Ask the pharmacist how to get the best from your asthma medicines. You can ask your pharmacist about the asthma medicines you've been prescribed. This is useful if you have concerns about things like side effects, using your inhaler, or your inhaler not working properly.
You can also ask about any over-the-counter medicines you're taking to help your asthma, such as anti-histamines for hay fever.
Whether its preparing for the arrival of your newborn, or you already are a parent you will find everything you need in our mother and baby ranges. We have everything from nappies and baby wipes to shampoo shields, baby food and baby clothes.
We know being a parent can be challenging at times, if you need any help or advice please speak to our pharmacist who can help.
Check your blood pressure
The only way of knowing whether you have high blood pressure is to have a blood pressure test.
All adults over 40 are advised to have their blood pressure checked at least every 5 years. Getting this done is easy and could save your life.
You can get your blood pressure tested at a number of places, including at our pharmacies. If you've not been diagnosed with high blood pressure and would like to get yours checked, contact or visit one of our branches.
If we find any potential signs of high blood pressure, we will refer you to your GP for further investigation and treatment if appropriate.
Body composition is a simple test that measures your body mass index, body fat, skeletal muscle percentages and waist circumference. A body composition test is one way to determine if your weight is healthy for your height since being overweight can strain your heart and lead to serious health problems.
A body composition test is recommended for everyone to for better insight into their health. Body composition testing is available at our Pharmacy for patients 18 and over.
treatment for chlamydia without needing to see your GP
Community Pharmacy Consultation Service (CPCS)
Contraception services are free and confidential, including for people under the age of 16.
If you're under 16 and want contraception, this is a confidential service and we will not inform your parents (or carer) as long as we believe you fully understand the information you're given, and your decisions.
*Only available to under 25's. Conditions apply. Please contact us for further information.
Why book here for oral contraception?
If you have been taking the same oral contraceptive pill for at least a year and want a repeat prescription, you can buy it through this service.
What am I booking?
This service from your Pharmacist is a private (paid for) service for the supply of oral contraception of the same brand you have been prescribed by your GP practice or family planning clinic within the last six months.
The types of contraceptive pills available with this service are:
Progestogen-only pills (sometimes called the ‘mini pill’) for women aged 18-49 years.
Combined oral contraceptive pills (sometimes called ‘the pill’) for women aged 16-49 years (18-49 for Qlaira and Zoely). If you are aged under 18, this service must be booked for you by your parent or guardian.
Is this service right for me?
This service is only suitable for you if you have been taking the same pill for at least a year – please provide documentation (eg a repeat prescription slip) to prove this if you can.
It is not suitable for you if:
There is any chance you could be pregnant; or
You have had any unexplained vaginal bleeding; or
You have had any new symptoms or medical conditions, or changes to an existing medical condition, since you had your last pill prescription issued.
You will need to have had a pill check in the last year with your GP or Practice Nurse where your blood pressure and BMI (weight and height) were checked. You will also need to have had a cervical screening test in the last three years if you are over 25.
About the oral contraceptive pill
There are two main types of oral contraceptive pill. The combined oral contraceptive (COC) pill contains two hormones – an oestrogen and a progestogen. It used to be recommended that women take a tablet every day for three weeks, then take a week off during which they would have a period. This guidance has now changed and some women may choose to take several packs of COC without a break.
The progestogen-only pill contains one hormone – a type of progestogen. This pill needs to be taken at the same time every day, without a break.
You can find out more about the COC and progestogen-only pill, including options for taking it, in the link below.
How much will it cost?
The price you will be quoted is for your consultation and six months’ supply of medication. The actual price you are charged may be higher if you and your Pharmacist agree that a slightly different treatment is most appropriate following consultation.
Is this service available on the NHS?
This service may be available to you free on the NHS from your GP.
We offer a wide range of the latest dental care products and accessories to help keep your gums and teeth in tip top condition. Please call or visit.
If you have had sex without using contraception, or you think your contraception has failed, you may be able to use Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC). Every consultation is private and confidential and will be in a private consultation room. Our fully trained and accredited Pharmacist will supply EHC when appropriate to clients in line with the requirements of a locally agreed Patient Group Direction (PGD).
The PGD will specify the age range of clients that are eligible for the service; it may facilitate supply to young persons under 16 in appropriate circumstances. We will also provide support and advice to clients accessing the service, including advice on the avoidance of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) through safer sex and condom use, advice on the use of regular contraceptive methods and provide onward signposting to services that provide long-term contraceptive methods and diagnosis and management of STI’s. * Only available if commissioned in accordance with a local agreement.
No appointments needed, easily accessible location and just a quick consultation, we ensure a hassle free service to all our patients. Simply walk in and ask to speak to our friendly and professional pharmacist about the morning after pill.
Our pharmacist will need to see the person that the emergency contraception is intended for, and will need to ask a few questions regarding the patients’ medical history. This is done in the privacy of our consultation room and everything discussed is in complete confidence. The sooner you come to our pharmacy to take the morning after pill, the greater the chances of avoiding pregnancy.
If the Pharmacist feels like Levonelle One Step is not suitable for you, they will not give you the morning after pill, but advise you to see your health care professional.
We are one of the few pharmacies that are able to provide the morning after pill free of charge to patients who are aged 24 and under, and who meet the NHS criteria. Alternatively, the pill can be purchased privately from our pharmacy.
About Emergency Contraception (Levonelle One Step) -
When it comes to sex, even if you’ve taken precautions, sometimes things don’t quite go to plan. Accidents happen with contraception and things go wrong all the time. You may even just be worried that your contraceptive pill hasn’t worked. If you’ve had unprotected sex or you’re worried about contraception failure, here is some of the information you need to know about Levonelle One Step -
- Levonelle One Step is an emergency contraceptive that can be used within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex or if your contraceptive method has failed.
- There is one white tablet in the pack and it is most effective when taken within the first 12 hours
- The tablet contains a hormone called Levonorgestrel.
- Levonelle One Step is thought to work by stopping your ovaries from releasing an egg or by preventing sperm from fertilising any egg that may have already been released
- If you are over 16 you can get Levonelle One Step over the counter at our Pharmacy
- If you are under 16 you cannot buy Levonelle One Step at the Pharmacy, you need to visit your GP or a Walk-In centre
- Levonelle One Step works to prevent a pregnancy becoming established, it does not work if you are already pregnant
- You should only use Levonelle One Step in emergencies, not as a regular form of contraception
Please note, there are other emergency contraceptive options available through your doctor or at a Walk-In centre.
If you do have any questions or require any further information please do not hesitate to contact us.
Erection problems (impotence) are very common, particularly in men over 40. It's usually nothing to worry about, but you should see a GP if it keeps happening.
Most men occasionally fail to get or keep an erection. Causes of erection problems can be stress, tiredness, anxiety or drinking too much alcohol, and it's nothing to worry about.
If it happens more often, it may be caused by physical or emotional problems.
Medicine such as sildenafil is often used by doctors to treat erectile dysfunction. It is also available from our pharmacy. You no longer need a prescription to get sildenafil. You can have a private consultation with our pharmacist to make sure it's safe for you to take it.
We stock a range of perfumes please call or visit
Make life easier for yourself and let us order your prescription on your behalf. Simply let us know what repeat medicines you need, a few days before they run out and we will arrange to collect it from your Doctor's surgery.
Is hair loss causing you distress? Are you worried about what to do? Losing your hair can greatly affect your confidence and self-esteem. It is an issue that affects both men and women, with male pattern baldness being the most common form. Most men are affected by male pattern baldness as they get older, but unfortunately, some men do start to suffer much earlier in life. But for both men and women even signs of slight thinning can cause concerns.
Whether you are dealing with hair loss, or even if you just want to get a head start to help ensure your hair stays healthy for as long as possible, we offer a range of products for both men and women. From vitamins and supplements to foams and shampoos, we even have products to help conceal thinning hair.
One of the main hair loss treatments we also offer is Finasteride (Propecia). Men who suffer from male pattern baldness are sensitive to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone, which causes damage to hair follicles. Finasteride (Propecia) is a prescription strength treatment that reduces the level of this particular hormone, and in turn reverses any balding. If you think you could benefit from this treatment come in store today, and speak to our pharmacist for a quick consultation to see if the treatment is suitable for you. If it is, you should be able to take the medication away with you that day. Please note, the medication is chargeable and is for men only.
Always keep in mind that hair regrowth isn’t instant and takes time. Results may vary from person to person and in some cases products must be used continuously to maintain the effects. But the earlier you start helping to maintain normal healthy hair growth, the better.
If you are worried about hair loss then come in store today and speak to a pharmacist about your options. Our pharmacists are trained to make sure they have the right knowledge and skills in order to help you with any concerns you may have.
Healthy Start Vitamins help you to prevent vitamin deficiencies and maintain normal growth and health in you are your child. Our pharmacy provides FREE Healthy Start Vitamins on production of a voucher. Please ask the pharmacist for more information
Prescription strength melatonin (Circadin ) to treat jet lag without a prescription
The Medication Care and Review (MCR) service, formerly known as CMS, is a serial prescription service. Register with Lightburn Pharmacy to have your regular repeat medication dispensed and ready for you to collect.
A serial prescription is a prescription for medicines you need to treat your long-term condition (your repeat medication).
It looks like a normal prescription but lasts for 24 or 48 weeks.
With a serial prescription, you can get your repeat medicines directly from the pharmacy where you are registered.
You won’t need to see or phone the Doctor to request your medication.
Serial prescriptions last for either 24 or 48 weeks and Lightburn Pharmacy will dispense it in instalments (either every month or every 2 months depending on your GP’s instructions).
The Pharmacy will have your prescription ready for you when you need it, so you don’t have to wait in the pharmacy.
The Pharmacy will keep your serial prescription in the Pharmacy.
Ask at the Pharmacy to be registered and speak to your GP to issue you with a serial prescription rather than a standard repeat prescription, your GP will assess your suitability.
Don’t be running around the houses to get your prescription, no more phoning your GP every month to get your prescriptions, no more waiting to get your regular prescription dispensed. Lightburn Pharmacy will comprehensively manage your serial prescriptions, please contact us to get registered today.
Your Prescription ready when you are.
This is an opportunity for our pharmacist to discuss and review the medicines you are taking to ensure you are using them correctly and getting the maximum benefit. We will explain clearly and simply, without any medical jargon, what they are for and the conditions they treat and identify any possible side effects that you may be experiencing. We will listen to you and any problems you are having with your medicines, provide advice and support and if necessary contact your Doctor to discuss any issues that arise from our conversation.
An MUR can help:
- improve your understanding of the medicines you are taking;
- highlight problematic side effects and propose solutions where appropriate;
- improve adherence
- reduce medicines wastage, usually by helping you only order the medicines you need
Our pharmacist may be able to conduct an MUR over the telephone or for eligible patient
Norethisterone to delay menstruation without seeing the GP
Prescription strength migraine treatment without having to see your GP
It is important that you take the right dose of your prescribed medicines at the right time each day to get the most from your medicines to control your condition(s) as much as possible. This can sometimes be difficult if you take more than one medicine. One way in which this can be made easier is for your medicines to be supplied in a Monitored Dosage System, which provides you with a separate compartment for each dosage time of the day.
A monitored dosage system (MDS) is a medication storage device designed to simplify the administration of solid oral dose medication, especially for those on multiple medications. It aims to address the issues of difficulty accessing medication due to sight impairment or other disability and/or forgetfulness.
MDS devices are usually a variation on the design of a box or a blister pack, divided into days of the week with several compartments per day to allow for the different timing of doses such as breakfast, lunch, dinner and bedtime.
Our Pharmacist can help identify which patients this type of system would be suitable for.
MDS may be suitable for patients in the following circumstances:
- You struggle to organise medications and find it difficult to remember to take them at the correct time each day
- You have a large number of medications to take each day
- You find it difficult to remove medication from its packaging
- You have a carer who helps you to ensure you take your medicines correctly.
Ask a member of our pharmacy team about whether this service would benefit you or whether there is another course of action, which may be of more help.
Each winter, a different strain of flu causes a flu outbreak (seasonal flu). That’s why it is so important to have the flu vaccination if you want to be protected, even if you had it last year.
CORONAVIRUS ALERT You must not book a face-to-face consultation if:
Within the last 7 days you have had, or continue to have, any of the following symptoms:
A new continuous cough.
A high temperature.
A loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell. (If you have been tested for these symptoms and your test is negative, you may attend if you bring a copy of your test result with you and your condition has not worsened since the test was taken.)
You or a member of your household are currently required to self-isolate as per government guidance.
Why book here for NHS flu vaccination?
Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus. Unlike the common cold, it can cause serious illness and is responsible for many thousands of deaths a year in the UK.
People at higher risk of serious complications from flu are eligible to have a free NHS flu vaccine every year. You can find out if you are in one of these groups by using our flu eligibility checker on the Patient Access home page. If you are eligible, or if you have been invited for a flu vaccination by your GP practice this year, you can book a free flu vaccination with your Pharmacist using this service.
What am I booking?
This is a free (NHS) service for a single flu vaccine from your Pharmacist, which will protect you until next winter.
Is this service right for me?
This service is for people aged 18-64 years. It is not suitable for you if you:
Have a severe allergy to eggs; or
Have had an allergic reaction to a previous dose of flu vaccine; or
Have a severe allergy to latex (some pharmacists may still be able to offer this service as most versions of the flu vaccine are completely latex-free – please consult your Pharmacist); or
Are currently unwell with a fever (please re-book when you have recovered).
Are taking warfarin medication, unless your blood tests are in the correct range – your Pharmacist can advise.
Have already had a flu vaccination since September 2020.
Please note that people in England aged 50-64 years who do not have underlying health conditions etc are now eligible for NHS flu vaccination. Please use the Patient Access flu eligibility checker on the Patient Access home page to find out more.
People in Scotland aged 60-64 years should receive a letter inviting them to book an NHS flu vaccine in December and people in Scotland aged 55-59 years old should wait to receive information from NHS Scotland.
About flu
Symptoms of flu include:
Fever.
Sweating.
Aches and pains.
Dry cough.
Sore throat.
Headache.
Feeling sick.
The symptoms are much more severe than those of a normal cold. Complications include ear infections, bronchitis and pneumonia.
About flu vaccination
There is a new flu vaccine each year, which protects against the four strains of flu most likely to cause outbreaks for that year. It is given as an injection in the arm.
The flu vaccine is normally given in October or November (but can be given later).
When you are prescribed a new medicine by your doctor our pharmacists can offer support and advice to ensure you take the new medication as prescribed without suffering any unwanted side effects or explain any further questions you may have. We usually do this by keeping in contact with you during the first 4 weeks of your new medicine being prescribed.
The service is only available for people living in England, and only for those who have been prescribed a new medicine for the conditions listed:
- asthma
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- type 2 diabetes
- high blood pressure
- people who have been given a new blood-thinning medicine
The NMS can help:
- improve your adherence (taking your medicines correctly) which will generally lead to better health outcomes
- increase your engagement with your condition and medicines, supporting you to make decisions about your treatment and self-management
- reduce medicines wastage
- reduce hospital admissions due to adverse events from medicines
We care about your long term health and if you are a smoker who wants to quit, but think you need help to kick the habit, our award winning Stop Smoking Service might be just what you are looking for. We have had many successes over the years and wish to help you kick the habit.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Smoking is the biggest cause of preventable deaths accounting for more than 80,000 deaths each year. One in two smokers will die from a smoking related disease. If you could see the damage you would stop.
Circulation
When you smoke, the poisons from the tar in your cigarettes enter your blood. These poisons in your blood then:
- Make your blood thicker, and increase chances of clot formation
- Increase your blood pressure and heart rate, making your hear work harder than normal
- Narrow your arteries, reducing the amount of oxygen rick blood circulating in your organs.
Together these changes to your body when you smoke increase the chance of your arteries narrowing and clots forming which could lead to heart attack and stroke.
Stomach
Smokers have an increased chance of getting stomach cancer or ulcers. Smoking is a significant risk factor for developing kidney cancer and the more you smoke the greater the risk.
Skin
Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen that gets to your skin. This means your skin ages more quickly and looks grey and dull. The toxins in your body also cause cellulite. Smoking prematurely ages your skin by between 10 and 20 years increasing wrinkling particularly around the eyes and mouth. The only way to prevent further deterioration is to stop smoking.
Bones
Smoking can cause your bones to become weak and brittle predisposing to brittle bones (osteoporosis).
Brain
Smokers are more likely to have a stroke than someone who doesn’t smoke. Within two years of stopping smoking your risk of stoke is reduced to half that of a smoker and within five years it will be the same as a non-smoker.
Lungs
Your lungs can be very badly affected by smoking. Coughs, colds, wheezing and asthma are just the start. Smoking can cause fatal diseases such as pneumonia emphysema, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. You can slow down the progression of some of the diseases by stopping smoking.
Mouth and throat
Smoking causes unattractive problems such as bad breath and stained teeth and can cause gum disease and damage your taste.
Reproduction
Smoking can cause male impotence as it damages blood vessels that supply blood to the penis. It can also damage sperm and cause testicular cancer. For women smoking reduces fertility. One study estimated the fertility of smoking women was 72% of that of a non smoker. Smoking also increases the risk of cervical cancer. Smoking while pregnant can lead to miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth and illness and increases cot death by 25%.
The good news is you can stop smoking and we are here to help.
Services we offer include:
- Complete and effective ordering of Medication and Appliances
- Fast and efficient Delivery Service
- Safe Storage of Medication
- Thorough Record Keeping for any Audit purposes
- Highly trained and experienced staff who understand the demands of a Nursing/Care home
- Medicines Use Review for your residents
- Help with training and development of your staff
How can I delay my period?
There's no guaranteed way to delay your period, but it may be possible if you take the combined contraceptive pill. If you take a combined contraceptive pill, you can delay your period by taking 2 packets back-to-back.
How you do this will depend on which pill you take. Examples are:
- monophasic 21-day pills, such as Microgynon and Cilest – you take a combined pill for 21 days, followed by 7 days without pills, when you have a bleed (period). To delay your period, start a new packet of pills straight after you finish the last pill and miss out the 7-day break.
- everyday (ED) pills, such as Microgynon ED and Lorynon ED – you take a combined pill every day. The first 21 pills are active pills and the next 7 pills are inactive or dummy pills, when you have your period. To delay your period, miss out and throw away the dummy pills, and start the active pills in a new packet straight away.
- phasic 21-day pills, such as Binovium, Qlaira and Logynon – the mix of hormones in each pill is different, depending on which phase you're in. You need to take these pills in the correct order to have effective contraception. Ask your pharmacist, community contraception clinic or GP for more information.
Taking your contraceptive pills in the ways described above will not affect how they work as contraceptives. If you're not sure which pill you're on or which pills in the packet to miss out, speak to our pharmacist, community contraception clinic or GP.
Avoid taking more than 2 packs without a break, unless your GP says you can.
There's a risk you could experience side effects, such as:
- feeling sick
- being sick
- diarrhoea
- unexpected vaginal bleeding
Progestogen-only contraceptive pill
If you're taking a progestogen-only contraceptive pill, you cannot delay your period by taking 2 packets back-to-back. You may be able to switch to the combined contraceptive pill or take another medication to delay your period. If you're not sure which type of pill you're taking, speak to our pharmacist.
If you do not take a contraceptive pill
See your GP for advice if you want to delay your period and you're not taking the combined contraceptive pill.
After consultation our pharmacists are able to prescribe medication called norethisterone to delay your period, you will be advised you when to take norethisterone and for how long. You'll usually be prescribed 3 norethisterone tablets a day, starting 3 to 4 days before you expect your period to begin. Your period should arrive 2 to 3 days after you stop taking the medication. Please note, Norethisterone does not act as a contraceptive when used in this way, so you could still get pregnant. You'll need to use another type of contraceptive, such as a condom. Norethisterone may not be suitable if you have a history of blood clots.
How well it works in delaying periods also varies between women. Some women taking norethisterone have reported side effects, such as:
- breast tenderness
- nausea
- breast tenderness
- nausea
- headache
- disturbances in mood and sex drive
- headache
- disturbances in mood and sex drive
Switching to, or starting, the combined contraceptive pill
If you currently use another type of contraception, switching to the combined contraceptive pill will allow you to delay your period. You may also be able to start taking the combined pill if you do not already use contraception. You may need to start taking this pill several weeks before the time when you want to delay your period, and it's not suitable for everyone. If you're switching to or starting the combined contraceptive pill, you might need to use additional contraception during the first few days of taking it.
Ask our pharmacist for more information and advice.
Proctosedyl Suppositories and Ointment prescription strength treatment without the need to see your GP
We recommend you consider getting a flub jab If you don't qualify for an NHS vaccination but are:
- susceptible to colds and chest infections
- are self employed and unable to afford time off work
- would like to protect yourself from flu during peak season
This service is available on a walk in basis without an appointment and there is a charge but please call the pharmacy first.
Antibiotic tonsillitis treatment without a prescription or seeing your GP
The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats we have ever faced, killing more than 8 million people a year around the world. According to the NHS, in the UK alone, smoking kills over 80,000 people every year and a further 500,000 people are admitted into hospital as a direct result of smoking.
Smoking has been linked to countless conditions from depression, infertility and asthma, to the more serious conditions such as lung cancer, emphysema and heart disease. It’s really not surprising that this is the case when you consider how many harmful substances there are in a cigarette. They have thousands of different chemicals, some of which are carcinogenic (cancer causing), and examples of others being acetone (used as nail polish remover), lead and cadmium (a highly toxic metal.)
The truth of the matter is, we all know how bad smoking is for our health, and a majority of smokers will say that they want to quit but giving up can be hard. Especially without the right help and support. That’s where our friendly and professional staff come in!
There is now more support than ever before, not just in the form of information, but also products designed to reduce cravings and to fight off any of the horrible withdrawal symptoms. One of the developments has been the introduction of Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT.) There are a variety of NRT products available:
- Patches
- Gum
- Inhalators
- Mouth Sprays
- Nasal Sprays
- Tablets
- Lozenges
Smoking is addictive because of the nicotine in cigarettes. That is why it is hard to quit. By starting one or even a combination of the above therapies, they will give a smoker a dose of nicotine in their blood. This reduces the nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings, whilst they break away from the psychological habit of smoking.
Our staff can advise you on the best way to kick your smoking habit. By coming in to our store our trained pharmacist will provide you with a free consultation, asking you questions such as how many cigarettes you smoke in a day and what triggers the need for a cigarette etc. By determining your ‘level of nicotine addiction’ the pharmacist will then be able to offer their advice on what they think would work best for you.
The pharmacist may even offer advice in other forms, for example, letting you know about any local support groups, advising you to take up a hobby or even suggesting a routine to start you off.
The benefit of having this support is that we are there 7 days a week whenever you need help, or even just a friendly professional to speak with. It is a proven fact that if you receive support while trying to stop smoking your chance for success is greatly increased.
We can provide a supervised consumption service, usually in the private consultation room in the pharmacy.
Going abroad and need to know which vaccinations you require or need advice on precautions?
We provide travel consultations with experienced staff who will assess the impact of any pre-existing medical conditions on your vaccine requirements. Our competitive pricing and easily accessible location makes us your first choice for all your travel needs
- Expert Travel Consultation
- Hajj and Umrah
- Full range of vaccines in stock including ACWY
- Anti-malarials dispensed on site
- Walk In or Book Over the phone
- We offer a wide range of services at competitive prices
- Our friendly team comprises of healthcare experts including pharmacists
Walk in for a free travel health consultation in our designated private consultation rooms today. We look forward to welcoming you and helping you with all your travel healthcare needs.
A pre-travel risk assessment provides a good opportunity to discuss travel-associated risk management with your pharmacist.
You'll need to contact us to arrange this, ideally 6 to 8 weeks before you leave. If your trip is sooner, contact us anyway as we may still be able to help and could provide vital health information.
During the assessment, we will:
- confirm if you're up-to-date with your routine immunisations
- assess your particular health risks
- recommend any vaccines and/or anti-malarial tablets you may need
Altitude Sickness - the mildest form being acute mountain sickness (AMS), is the negative health effect of high altitude, caused by rapid exposure to low amounts of oxygen at high elevation. Symptoms may include headaches, vomiting, tiredness, trouble sleeping, and dizziness.
Cholera – Common in Africa, Central America and Asia, cholera is an infection spread by bacteria in contaminated food and water.
Diphtheria, Poliomyelitis and Tetanus - This diphtheria, polio and tetanus vaccine may also be recommended if you're travelling to an area of the world where there is a high risk of contracting these diseases, or poor access to medical care, and you haven't had a booster in the last ten years.
Hepatitis A – Contaminated faecal matter spreads hepatitis A, a disease often caught via infected food and water and common across in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and South America.
Hepatitis B – Unprotected sex is usually responsible for hepatitis A infection, along with sharing needles, visiting dirty tattoo parlours, unhygienic barbers shops and nail salons. It’s common in both undeveloped and developed countries.
Japanese Encephalitis – Spread by mosquitoes, there’s no cure for this disease found across South East Asia, Japan, and tropical regions of Australia. There are also occasional epidemics in China and India.
Malaria – A highly dangerous disease spread by infected mosquitoes, malaria is common in the equatorial tropics and subtropics.
Meningitis; ACWY Vaccination for Hajj or Umrah – A bacterial infection, this disease tends to be commonest in sub-Saharan Africa. But it’s also sometimes found where it’s crowded and where there’s imperfect hygiene, for example universities and army camps.
Rabies – Infected animal and human bites and scratches spread this awful disease, which is particularly common in Thailand, Brazil and India.
Tick-borne Encephalitis – A tick-borne virus found in eastern, northern and central Europe as well as eastern Russia, east Asia, China and Japan.
Typhoid – Bacteria are responsible for this infection and it’s found throughout the world, a risk wherever sanitation and hygiene are poor.
We stock a popular range of vitamins and supplements aimed at nutrition, and women's and men's health.
We are here to help you make good choices. If you are struggling losing weight, please ask the pharmacist to help you beat the bulge.
The term obese describes a person who is very overweight. There are two ways of checking your weight status. Firstly, Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of whether you’re a healthy weight for your height. A BMI of > 25 means you are over-weight.
Another measure of excess fat is your waist circumference. Generally, men with a waist circumference of 94cm or more and women with a waist circumference of 80 cm or more are more likely to develop obesity related health problems. These include
Type 2 diabetes, Coronary heart disease, some types of cancer, such as breast cancer and bowel cancer and stroke. If you are worried about diabetes we can give you a diabetic test.
Obesity can also affect your quality of life and lead to psychological problems such as depression and low self-esteem. Please let us help you before your weight gets out of control.
We can offer weight management help. Pharmacists are ideally placed to help you manage your weight as they already provide many health services to customers, including stop smoking services, blood pressure and cholesterol measurements and general advice on nutrition and healthy living. Pharmacists also know when a weight problem can be managed in the pharmacy and when there is a medical problem that needs co-operation with the doctor.
Ask us for advice on how to get started.
London
NW9 6RS
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