Recently Asked Questions

Grapefruits contain a type of chemical called furanocoumarins which reduces the clearing of certain medicines, such as simvastatin, from the body. This may in turn lead to more side effects. One glass of grapefruit juice was reported to increase simvastatin level in the body by 2 to 3 fold. Hence, grapefruits should be avoided in people taking simvastatin.

Certain citrus fruits such as Seville oranges and pomelos also contain furanocoumarins. However, there is a lack of studies done on these fruits to determine the magnitude of their effects on simvastatin. Hence, you may wish to avoid pomelo if you are concerned about the possibility of increased side effects. 

Over-the-counter oral medicines such as paracetamol and ibuprofen may be used for pain relief. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis may also require medications that can only be obtained from a doctor’s prescription. As I am not aware of your medical history or any long term medicines that you may be taking, I would not be able to recommend an appropriate medicine for you. Please consult a doctor for more advice.

You may also wish to practise the following tips to help with pain relief:

• Exercise
• This helps to strengthen the muscle around the joint
• Apply hot or cold compress to relieve joint pain
• Hot compress also helps with stiffness
• Cold compress also helps with muscle pain and cramps
• Relax or meditate
• Lose weight if you are overweight
• This helps to reduce pressure on the weight-bearing joints such as knee, ankles and hips
• Rest
• Taking a short break when you are tried or having pain may help

Any valid doctor’s prescription can be used to purchase medications at the polyclinic pharmacy. Do ensure you have a valid original prescription and not a doctor’s memo.

Do take note that Plavix, the branded version of clopidogrel is not available at polyclinic pharmacy. The neurosurgeon will have to decide if the generic clopidogrel is suitable for you before we can fill in your prescription. You may like to call the polyclinic pharmacy, via our contact centre at 6355 3000 to enquire about the cost of the medications.

There is insufficient information on the effectiveness and safety of serratiopeptidase in children. Serratiopeptidase is not recommended for children (below the age of 12).

An alternative to serratiopeptidase would be Lysozyme. Lysozyme is suitable for children and is available in a syrup form. It has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties that might be helpful for sore throat or other mild inflammatory conditions. You might also consider using lozenges eg. Dequalinium lozenges, if you are looking for something to relieve your child’s sore throat.

Lysozyme is not available in NHG pharmacy. You might like to enquire about its availability in retail pharmacies.

Pimples or acne occur when hair follicles are plugged with oil and dead skin cells. Signs and symptoms are listed below, in order of severity:

-          Whiteheads (closed plugged pores)

-          Blackheads (open plugged pores, oil turns brown when exposed to air)

-          Small red, tender bumps (papules)

-          Pimples (pustules, which are papules with pus at their tips)

-          Large, solid, painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin (nodules)

-          Painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the surface of the skin (cystic lesions)

Mild acne (whiteheads, blackheads, pimples) can be treated with regular gentle cleansing using warm water, mild soap and applying over the counter medications, benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Up to 6 to 8 weeks is needed for acne to improve following treatment. Acne may get worse before it gets better. You may wish to consult a doctor if home care remedies do not improve the condition.

Hair thinning or hair loss may be caused by multiple reasons. The average adult head loses up to 100 hair strands a day.

Do consult a doctor if you are experiencing sudden patchy hair loss or any infections on your scalp.

The following are possible causes of hair thinning:

-          Hormone changes

-          Stress, illness and childbirth

-          Fungal infection

-          Cosmetic procedures such as shampooing too often, perms, bleaching, and dyeing hair can contribute to overall hair thinning by making hair weak and brittle

-          Tight braiding, using rollers or hot curlers can damage and break hair

-          Certain medical conditions and medications

-          A low-protein diet or severely calorie-restricted diet can also cause temporary hair loss

You may consider the following products available at NHG pharmacy for general skin and hair health:

21ST CENTURY Hair Skin & Nail

Vitamins and minerals to nourish hair and skin with DNA and RNA, plus Equistum Arvense - a herb that strengthens nails.

OCEAN HEALTH AntiOxidant Formula

An antioxidant specially formulated with Vitamins A, C, E, zinc and selenium to help protect the body from free radical damage and rejuvenates problem skin, hair and nails.

OCEAN HEALTH Pure Evening Primrose Oil 1000mg

Ocean Health Evening Primrose Oil 1000mg is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid which maintains healthy skin, nails and hair.

People with liver problems may need closer monitoring when they start on supplements such as glucosamine. You may wish to discuss with your doctor regarding the suitability of starting glucosamine.

Some studies suggest that glucosamine may affect the blood sugar levels, but the results are not conclusive. Diabetic patients who take glucosamine may need to check their blood sugar levels more often.

As I am not aware of the condition of the patient, I am unable to make any recommendations. You may wish to discuss with your doctor or physiotherapist regarding suitable back supports for her.

The table below shows comparisons between Actimove Lombacare X and other back supports available in NHG Pharmacy.

You may also wish to visit our website here to check the prices and sizes available.

There are other medicines available for the treatment of numbness and nerve pain. However, as I am not aware of the person’s condition, I am unable to make any recommendations. He/she may wish to discuss with his/her doctor further.

The list below includes some non-drug, non-surgical options to help with numbness and nerve pain:

• Physiotherapy/Exercise
• Improve muscle strength and blood circulation to help with nerve pain and numbness
• It may be difficult for to do certain exercises due to the pain and numbness. Opt for low impact exercises such as swimming, cycling, yoga, tai chi and water aerobics
• Massage
• Improves blood circulation
• Have a healthy diet
• Having a good nutrition helps to prevent numbness caused by the lack of certain vitamins
• Avoid excessive alcohol
• Alcohol may worsen numbness and nerve pain
• Quit smoking
• Smoking affects blood circulation and may worsen numbness and nerve pain
• Acupuncture
• May provide relief for some patients
• Effects usually short-term and may require frequent treatments
• Herbs and supplements (Discuss with your doctor before starting any)
• alpha-lipoic acid
• Shows effectiveness in some short-term studies, but lacks evidence for effectiveness for long-term usage
• May reduce blood sugar. Use with caution in people with diabetes
• To be used with caution in people who lacks vitamin B1 and drinks excessive alcohol
• May interact with treatments for thyroid problems

Selenium sulfide suspension or ketoconazole shampoo may be used to treat fungal infection in the scalp and skin. These products are both available over the counter.

As I am not aware of the severity and extent of your condition, I am not able to advise you on the frequency and duration to use these products. Do follow the instructions on how to use these products.

You may also practice the tips below to prevent fungal infections in the future

• Do not share clothes, shoes or towels with other people
• Do not go barefooted in public places, include public showers
• Keep your skin clean and dry
• Always dry completely after bathing
• Wash with soap and shampoo, especially after sports or exercise
• Avoid tight-fitting clothes and shoes
• Change your socks and underwear at least once a day
• If the infection might have come from your pet, bring it to a vet 

Lynae is safe to be consumed by a breastfeeding mother. However, the manufacturer recommends you to check with your doctor before starting the supplement.