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.
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
Q
How much does it cost for a Prolia (Denosumab) injection?
A
Prolia (Denosumab) injection is not available in NHG Pharmacy. You may
wish to contact the hospital or retail pharmacies to enquire on its
availability and cost.
Women's Health
31 Oct 2018
Q
Just like to know whether new Flu vaccine for the season going forward is already available for vaccination at Clementi Polyclinic.
A
The vaccine is available in Clementi
Polyclinic.
You may wish to contact us at 63553000 to
make an appointment or to find out more.
Q
I am enquiring if your pharmacy has Bonacal D3 500mg. This is a calcium supplement.
If you do not have it, do you have one which is equivalent to Bonacal D3 500mg.
A
Bonacal D3 is not available in NHG Pharmacy. You may wish to
contact the hospital or retail pharmacies to enquire on its availability.
Each Bonacal D3 tablet contains 500mg Calcium with 400 or
800 units of Vitamin D3. NHG Pharmacy stocks a variety of Calcium and Vitamin
D3 supplements. You may wish to consult a pharmacist at any NHG Pharmacy branch
or on 6355 3000, to find out which product is equivalent to your current
formulation.
Drug Information
22 Oct 2018
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
