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
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
A
There are currently no
products which are safe and effective in reducing belly fat. In general, successful weight loss involves
healthy eating and exercise habits. Eating a balanced diet which is low in fat
and sugar, and high in fibre, can help with weight loss. It is also important
to ensure that you do not consume more calories than your body requires each
day. Exercise also play an important role in weight loss as it helps to burn
off the calories consumed. To lose weight, adults require at least 150 minutes
of moderate intensity exercise each week, such as swimming, cycling or jogging.
For more detailed information on weight loss, you may wish to speak to a
dietician or consult your doctor for advice.
Q
Can albendazole be bought over the counter?
A
Albendazole 400mg tablet and suspension are
pharmacy-only medicines, and may be purchased without a prescription after a
consultation with a pharmacist.
Drug Information
29 Nov 2018
Q
I am allergic to paracetamol and guaifenesin and I have a problem swallowing tablets, could you recommend any liquid over the counter medication for treating my fever?
A
You may consider taking Ibuprofen to help to lower
your temperature. Ibuprofen belongs to a class of medicines called
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and is used for the treatment of
fever. However, if you have medical conditions such as asthma or stomach ulcer,
it would be advisable for you to consult a doctor to seek medical advice.
Ibuprofen comes in caplet form and suspension form.
You may wish to pound the caplet or purchase the suspension form if you have
difficulties with swallowing tablets.
This link provides a few type of Ibuprofen
preparations that is available in NHG Pharmacy.
https://www.pharmacy.nhg.com.sg/mobile/productCatalogue/ProductSearchList.aspx?strProdName=Nurofen&iCat=&PFlag=False
You may wish to read this article to find out more
on other non-pharmacological advices that you can follow for your condition.
https://www.pharmacy.nhg.com.sg/mobile/page.aspx?id=290
Drug Information
23 Nov 2018
