Do you have a question to ask the pharmacist?
This Ask-a-Pharmacist section allows you to direct questions to a patient care pharmacist regarding your medications or any drug-related concerns or issues that may be of interest to you.
Note that our reply may reach you later if you are residing in a different time zone as Singapore. Please allow up to 3 working days for our reply.
If you need an advice immediately, please consult a Doctor or call our Pharmacist via our call centre 6355 3000.
While we will strive to answer as many questions as possible, we would like to seek your understanding that we are unable to answer all questions posted or questions which are not related to medicines. Please include as much details as possible. Accurate and complete information will help our Pharmacist provide the appropriate advice. Rest assured that all personal information provided will be kept confidential by NHG Pharmacy.
Q
Do you have Voltaren 2.32%?
A
Voltaren 2.32% is not available in Singapore. If you are having some
medical problems at the moment, I would advise you to consult a doctor for medical
assessment and treatment.
Do note that Voltaren 1% (Diclofenac) gel is available for purchase in
NHG Pharmacy.
Drug Information
04 Oct 2018
Q
My mum’s medicine has expired. Can we buy Glyceryl Trinitrate Tablets directly from the pharmacy without prescription ?
A
Glyceryl Trinitrate tablet is a pharmacy-only
medicine and may be purchased without a prescription after a consultation with
a pharmacist.
Q
What eyedrops/treatment would be recommended for a sty?
A
Sty usually goes away on its own without requiring any treatment.
However, if the sty is very painful and doesn’t start to get better after two
to three days, please consult a doctor instead.
In the meantime until the sty goes away on its own, you may try the
following tips.
- Do not try to pop or squeeze the sty.
Doing so may cause the infection to spread.
- Gently clean the affected eyelid with mild
soap and water.
- Place a warm washcloth over your closed
affected eye for 5 to 10 minutes, taking note to re-wet the washcloth when
it is no longer warm. This may help the sty to clear on its own.
- Keep your eyes clean by not wearing eye
makeup or contact lenses, until the sty has healed.
Common Ailments
18 Sep 2018
Q
Regarding Abilify for treatment of people with Bipolar 2. What is the typical success rate like? Is the drug useful?
A
Selecting medication for the management of Bipolar Disorder
is highly personalized and usually based on individual response. As I am not
aware of the patient’s medical history or long term medicines, I would not be
able to provide advice on the effectiveness of this medication. Please consult
your doctor for more advice.
Drug Information
14 Sep 2018
Q
Was given Angised Glyceryl Trinitrate in a bottle of 50 tablets, if I open n pack to carry in pocket use or not have to throw after 2 months all 50 tablets, why not pack in smaller no of 10 or 20 bottles no waste n easy to carry in pocket tky
A
In Singapore, Angised Glyceryl Trinitrate tablets are only available as
a bottle of 50 tablets. In order to repack the tablets into smaller quantities,
it would be necessary to remove the tablets from its original packaging. This
process exposes the tablets to environmental factors such as light, moisture and
heat, causing the medicine to lose its effectiveness over a shorter period of
time.
Thus, I would advise opening a new bottle only when you need to take a
dose of the medicine. This would help to
reduce wastage of tablets as unopened bottles may be stored until the expiry
date stated on the packaging.
Q
I have been buying Calcit Ultra (calcium supplements) for my mum, in her 60s, as supplement. I just saw that there is a new version Calcit D-plus in the market.
Could you advise what is the Main difference between this 2 versions of Calcium supplement?
The existing Calcit Ultra already has 200IU Vitamin D3 per tablet, what extras are there in Calcit D-Plus?
Is there anyone in particular that cannot take Calcit D-plus?
A
The main difference between Calcit Ultra and Calcit
D-Plus is the vitamin D3 content, with Calcit Ultra containing 200IU per tablet
and Calcit D-Plus containing 400IU per tablet. Apart from Vitamin D3 content,
the other ingredients of the 2 products are similar.
Vitamin D3 helps your body to absorb calcium. Our
body is able to produce Vitamin D with sunlight exposure. If your mother is
unable to obtain enough Vitamin D from food and sun exposure, she may consider
taking Calcit D-Plus which contains a higher dose of vitamin D3.
Calcit D-Plus contains calcium citrate 1000mg and
Vitamin D3 400IU per tablet. Calcium supplement in general is safe for use in
people who have insufficient calcium intake. However, if one has conditions
such as hypercalcemia (high level of calcium in the body), kidney stones or
kidney disease, he/she may wish to discuss with his/her doctor before starting
on the supplement.
Vitamins/Herbal Supplements
31 Aug 2018
Q
Sir I am from India I am having a indigestion problems frequently my stomuch get bloated with acidity and sometimes burning sensation. Recently I visited Singapore but that problems does not arises in that place but it happens only in India
A
Indigestion symptoms
may be caused by many different factors, including
- Diseases: acid reflux, irritable bowel
syndrome, stomach infection
- Medicines: aspirin, steroids
- Lifestyle: eating too fast/too much, drinking
too much alcohol, smoking, stress
As I am not aware of
your medical history or any long term medicines that you may be taking, I would
not be able make any recommendation. Please consult a doctor for more advice.
You may also wish to
refer to our website for more information about indigestion.
https://www.pharmacy.nhg.com.sg/page.aspx?id=285
Q
I am looking for Fedac Syrup. Please advise the availability.
A
Fedac syrup is not available in NHG Pharmacy. You may wish to
contact the hospital or retail pharmacies to enquire on its availability. Do note that it is a pharmacy-only medicine and may be purchased
without a prescription after a consultation with a pharmacist.
Children's Health
28 Aug 2018
Q
The medicine Glipizide, am I able to get it for my father over at polyclinic pharmacy ?
A
Glipizide tablets are available for purchase in NHG Pharmacy. Do
note that a valid prescription is required for the purchase of this medication.
Drug Information
27 Aug 2018
Q
Can I buy Vitamin D: Cholecalciferol 1000IU from Polyclinic Pharmacy without seeing the Doctor?
A
Cholecalciferol may be purchased over the
counter without a prescription.
However, you may wish to continue follow-up
with your doctor, to ensure that your condition is managed well.
Drug Information
21 Aug 2018
