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 vemlidy available?
A
Vemlidy tablets are not available in NHG Pharmacy. You may wish to contact the hospital or retail pharmacies to enquire on its availability. Do note that a valid prescription is needed for the purchase of this medicine.
Drug Information
18 Jul 2019
Q
I am going to Kenya on August and wish to get some Malaria pills for Malaria prevention. I am a Hepatitis B carrier and not on any medication currently, am I suitable to take Malarone? If not, what others option can i take?
A
Kenya is a country with malaria risk present in all areas and it would
be ideal to take anti-malarial pills for prevention. For Kenya, the recommended
anti-malarial pills include Atorvaquone-Proguanil (brand name Malarone),
Doxycycline and Mefloquine.
Atorvaquone-Proguanil and Mefloquine are both pharmacy-only medicines and
may be purchased without a prescription
after a consultation with a pharmacist.
Doxycycline is a prescription-only medicine
and you will need to consult a doctor for the prescription.
As I am not aware of your full medical history, I would not
be able to recommend an appropriate treatment for you. You may wish to
find out more from the pharmacist during the pharmacist consultation.
You may also wish to read up more on malaria
prophylaxis on our website:
https://www.pharmacy.nhg.com.sg/page.aspx?id=661
Drug Information
05 Jul 2019
Q
Do you carry stock of Metformin 50/850?
A
Metformin 250mg tablets and 850 tablets are available in NHG
Pharmacy. Do note that a prescription is required for
the purchase of this medicine.
However, combination drugs such as Janumet that contains
both Metformin and Sitagliptin are not available in NHG Pharmacy. You may wish
to contact the hospital or retail pharmacies to enquire on its availability.
Drug Information
02 Jul 2019
Q
I wish to buy a GTN spray for my father. Is it available and do I need a prescription?
A
Glyceryl Trinitate Spray is available in selected NHG Pharmacy
branches. You may wish to contact us at 6355 3000 to check stock
availability at your preferred branch. This medication may be purchased after
consultation with a pharmacist.
Drug Information
06 Jun 2019
A
Dapagliflozin 10mg (Forxiga) is available in NHG Pharmacy and a prescription is required for the purchase
of this medicine.
Q
I have received Sangobion capsules from my doctor.
Being a vegetarian, I prefer to take them without the capsule. Is it ok to open it up and dilute with some water?
A
Sangobion capsule may be opened up and the
contents may be mixed with water before consuming.
Drug Information
18 Apr 2019
Q
Understand Aspirin is a blood thinning medicine, can i just get from any pharmacy or do i need a doctor's recommendation? Also, are there different types or dosage?
A
Aspirin may be purchased over-the-counter
without a prescription. There are different products for blood thinning and for
pain relief. As blood thinners are used to reduce the risk of heart attack and
stroke, it is important for your doctor to assess whether you should take
aspirin, and monitor for any side effects.
There are three main types of aspirin:
- For tablets which can be chewed:
- Take with food
or glass of water or milk
- These tablets
may be chewed or swallowed whole
- For tablets
which enteric coated:
- Enteric coated
forms of aspirin reduce stomach upset that is caused by the medicine
- Take with a glass
of water after food.
- These tablets
should be swallowed whole. Do not crush or chew the medicine.
- Tablets which
need to be dissolved in water (effervescent):
- You should
dissolve a tablet in one glass of cool boiled water and drink it after
food
As I am not aware of your condition or any
medicine that you may be taking, I am unable to advise if you should start
taking aspirin, and at what dosage. You may wish to contact your doctor to find
out more.
Q
GLUCERNA
Liquid Vanilla Flavour 250ml
Is it recommended for daily consumption?
A
Glucerna range of products is designed for people with diabetes. These products
have low Glycemic Index (GI) to help with diabetes management. Low GI means
that the product is slowly digested and absorbed in the body, and thus causes a
lower and slower rise in blood sugar levels.
Glucerna liquid 250ml can be used as a supplement or sole source of
nutrition. You may wish to discuss with your doctor or dietician on how you can
better incorporate Glucerna liquid into your diet for the management of your
condition.
You may also contact Abbott (company in charge of Glucerna) at 62786220
on Mondays to Fridays from 8am to 5pm except public holidays, if you would like
to find out more about their products.
Drug Information
11 Mar 2019
Q
I want to buy celebrex 200 my for my mum. May I know it's pricing?
A
Cost of the medicine will differ based on the type of
prescription presented; you may wish to contact any of our branches at 6355 3000
for more information on pricing and availability. Do note that a valid
prescription is needed for the purchase of this medicine.
Drug Information
24 Dec 2018
Q
I used to take Omeprazole 20 mg prescribed by polyclinic. Can I get it without consulting Doctor?
A
Omeprazole may be purchased without a
prescription only for the relief of heartburn symptoms related to acid reflux.
It may be purchased in limited quantity at licensed retail pharmacies after
consultation with the pharmacist.
As I am not aware of your medical history
and the severity of your condition, I am unable to advise whether you can
purchase the medicine. You may wish to consult a pharmacist or a doctor.
Drug Information
19 Dec 2018
