*Brought to you by National Pharmacies
While many of your visits to a Pharmacy may be to fill a prescription, there is a lot more that Pharmacies can offer to help you take charge of your health. National Pharmacies range of health services is growing rapidly along with government changes to pharmacy scope of practice. Here’s a few of National Pharmacies most used services and how they can benefit you.
Dose Administration Aids
Pharmacists can support patients to manage their medicines more effectively through dose administration aid (DAA) services. A DAA is a weekly blister pack where medicines are separated into individual compartments determined by the time and day on which they should be taken. A DAA provides a convenient solution to support people to take their medications as their doctor has prescribed, helping them get the most out of their medicines, whilst minimising stress.
If you’re interested in knowing more about your medicines, or hearing more about how a dose administration aid could help you manage your medicines, then pop into your local pharmacy and ask the Pharmacist. Or, simply visit the National Pharmacies website to find out more.
Medication Reviews
As people age, the risk of having one or more chronic conditions increases and this means that multiple medications are often prescribed. Medicines are the most common therapeutic intervention used to help treat health conditions, but occasionally they cause side effects and, they can interact with other medicines.
The good news is, Pharmacists are highly trained, professional, and have a wealth of knowledge about medicines and how to maximise their benefits to promote better health outcomes. Pharmacists can support you to understand your medicines better by sharing information around:
- What the medicine is for
- How long to take the medicine for
- When to take the medicine (e.g. does once a day mean in the morning or in the evening?)
- Which medicines can be taken together and which one’s might interact
- How to take each medicine (e.g. with food or not)
- Any special instructions (e.g. don’t take grapefruit juice or avoid excessive sunlight)
- Side effects to look out for and what to do if they occur.
- How to store the medicines
- Lifestyle measures to support the medicine to work more effectively for the health condition.
- How to tell if the medicines are working
Take the worry out of taking medication and ask your local Pharmacist to review your medications today.
Sleep Apnoea
Sleep Apnoea, a prevalent sleep disorder, presents a significant challenge for many seniors, impacting their daily lives more profoundly than they might realise. The symptoms of Sleep Apnoea can vary, with some individuals experiencing no symptoms at all.
However, common symptoms include:
- Loud and persistent snoring
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Choking or gasping for air during sleep
- Morning headaches
- Depression and irritability
- Restlessness during sleep
- Frequent nighttime visits to the bathroom
- Sexual dysfunction
If you or your partner resonate with any of the above symptoms, your National Pharmacies Pharmacist or Sleep Consultant is here to help. Take the first step by completing our quick and easy online sleep assessment here or book a complimentary sleep health consultation at a participating National Pharmacies store.
Vaccinations
National Pharmacies offer a range of vaccinations from trained Pharmacists in comfortable private consultation rooms. Bookings and walk-ins are welcome for annual flu vaccinations, COVID and shingles. To find out more about vaccinations visit the National Pharmacies website.
GP Telehealth
When your health needs are a little more complex, you can book a GP telehealth appointment anytime, anywhere with National Pharmacies member pricing. Consultations are available 24/7 via phone or video for a range of common needs including repeat prescriptions. To find out more about GP telehealth click here.
What’s Coming
Pharmacists will soon be able to provide assistance in administering injectable medications, as well as guidance on how to self-administer where appropriate.
From 2026, we will additionally be able to treat a broader range of mild ailments including nausea and vomiting, shingles, mild psoriasis, school sores, ear infections and more. We’re committed to ensuring our communities have better access to quality healthcare long into the future.
If you have any questions regarding the health services available at National Pharmacies, speak with one of our friendly team members in-store.
By Bec Rogers – Chief Pharmacist, National Pharmacies
National Pharmacies members receive up to 60% off prescription medication and benefits on all health checks and services all year round.
As a Seniors Card member you are eligible to our exclusive National Pharmacies member price of $33.50 per year.
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