Pharmacy Archives - London Drugs Blog

Overdose Awareness Month – Overdose Can Affect Anyone

August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day. It is a day to remember, without stigma, those who have lost their lives due to overdose and to support their loved ones. The annual campaign is also an opportunity to educate communities about how to reduce the risks of accidental overdose and how to access emergency life-saving treatment.

We are in an opioid epidemic. According to Health Canada 2023 statistics, opioids were associated with an average of 22 deaths per day, 17 hospitalizations per day, and 78 visits to emergency departments per day for opioid poisoning. In Canada, emergency services are called an average of 115 times per day for suspected opioid-related overdoses. Unfortunately, there is often a stigma associated with overdose that prevents people from taking precautions. Opioid overdoses do not just affect people taking illegal drugs like heroin. The number of people suffering from opioid dependence is increasing and has widespread reaches across socioeconomic classes, educational backgrounds, cultures and ages. Addiction or substance use disorder, can start from taking prescribed pain-relieving medications after a surgery or accident or after using medications that were prescribed for a friend. Opioid medications have a higher risk than other drugs for causing dependence. Accidental opioid overdose can occur when incorrect or duplicate doses are taken, if opioids are taking differently than prescribed, or if opioids are taken in combination with certain medications that intensify their effects. It is important for everyone to speak to their healthcare provider to learn which medications they have at home that carry a risk of dependence or accidental overdose. Never share your prescription medications with others.

Opioids are a class of drugs derived from the opium poppy plant. Everyday we hear of overdoses associated with illegal drugs like heroin or drugs contaminated with fentanyl. But it is important to recognize that opioids also include non-prescription low dose codeine products and dextromethorphan found in many cough syrups and prescription medications like stronger doses of codeine, tramadol, morphine, hydromorphone, oxycodone, fentanyl, and methadone. Combining these medications increases the risk of side effects and overdose. Some other medications can increase the risk of opioid toxicity including anti-seizure medications, antidepressants, some antibiotics or antiretroviral drugs, muscle relaxants, sedatives, sleeping pills.

Common side effects of taking opioid drugs include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and constipation. If taken inappropriately, opioids have potential to cause a pleasurable feeling or “a high” that may encourage some people to want to continue to take the agent. But, the greatest risk of taking opioids is that they can cause a dangerous decrease in breathing rate and heart rate which can lead to death. For this reason, they should be taken at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest length of time possible.

It is common to receive an opioid pain reliever after a surgery, injury, or dental procedure because they can be an effective way to manage moderate to severe pain in a short-term setting. If long-term use is necessary, the patient should be carefully monitored and informed of the risks and benefits of continued use. Patients should discuss all prescription and non-prescription medications they are taking with their prescriber so they can assess their total risk for side effects, dependence, using the medication for longer than intended or in ways other than prescribed, or overdose.

When taking medication for pain, patients and their prescriber should set realistic expectations about pain control and set a goal level for pain reduction. The treatment plan will often include non-drug ways to relieve pain including applying ice to the area, physiotherapy, registered massage therapy and relaxation techniques. The plan should also include how long to be on the medication and how to reduce risk for dependence and overdose. One way to reduce this risk is to fill smaller amounts of the medication and check in regularly with a health care provider when more is needed. Patients and their caregivers should speak to their pharmacist about which medications contain opioids and other medications that can increase their risk of adverse effects.

If you or a loved one are taking opioid drugs (from a pharmacy or obtained elsewhere), consider keeping a naloxone kit with you at all times, and make sure all household members know how to use it. Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can be used in an emergency to temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose while 911 medical help is called. Naloxone is available as an easy-to-use injection or a nasal spray and can be used along with CPR until help arrives. Naloxone kits can be picked up for free at many pharmacies, community organizations, and provincial correctional facilities. Don’t be afraid to ask for a kit at your pharmacy. A pharmacist will provide basic training for how and when to use the naloxone. Speak to your London Drugs Pharmacist for more information.

Medication Review – Why and When to Request a Medication Review

Have you ever wondered if you are getting the most out of your medications? Do you ever feel frustrated with managing your medications from morning to night? Are you concerned about whether your medications are right for you? If so, consider making an appointment for a medication review or a personalized one-on-one consultation with your local London Drugs pharmacist, where a plan can be made to address all your medication, lifestyle and health concerns.

Did you know that 1 in 30 patients have a drug-related problem that may cause a current or future health issue? Pharmacists are experts in managing all aspects of your medication regimen and how they impact your everyday life. A medication review is a great way to detect and resolve any drug-related concerns before they become a problem to your health.

Patients often wonder how medication reviews differ from the consultations provided when picking-up medication. Consultations provided during prescription pick-up are focused on ensuring you can take the prescribed medication(s) correctly, as well as knowing when to expect benefits and what side effects to monitor for. Consultations provided during medication reviews are thorough discussions about all your medications, and how they relate to your lifestyle and overall health goals.

During a medication review, your pharmacist will go over every medication that you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, natural health products, and vitamins/supplements, to ensure that they are appropriate, effective and safe. Your pharmacist will also ask questions about your health conditions and lifestyle, in order to tailor advice and information, especially for you. Based on the information collected, your pharmacist will develop a plan to address any problems and/or concerns identified during the medication review. These plans can help you simplify your medication regimen, eliminate unnecessary medications, reduce drug costs, address drug-related side effects, and remove barriers to taking medication through blister-packing, delivery and medication synchronisation services.

At the end of the medication review, your pharmacist will provide you with a document summarising everything that was discussed during the consultation. It will contain an up-to-date medication list and any recommendations that were discussed during the meeting. If necessary, the pharmacist can also communicate any findings to other members of your healthcare team.

Medication reviews are helpful for most patients. However, medication reviews are especially helpful for those who were recently discharged from hospital, receive care from multiple healthcare providers, and/or take prescription medication for chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, COPD or mental health. This is because these patients are often at a higher risk of experiencing drug-related problems, and can benefit from increased check-ups to detect and resolve issues before they negatively impact their health. Appointments typically last 30 to 45 minutes and should occur every 6 to 12 months. Follow-ups can be arranged upon request, or if any changes are made to your medications.

Medication reviews are confidential in-person discussions with the patient at the pharmacy, conducted at one of the pharmacy booths or in a consultation room. Some patients also like to have a caregiver or family member present. In some cases, caregivers may be able to come on-behalf of a patient, if they have legal consent or power-of-attorney and sufficient knowledge of the patient’s health concerns. Bring all of your medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, plus any natural health products, and vitamins, and supplements that you take. Some patients have also found it useful to bring a list of questions and concerns to the appointment, as well as laboratory and medical reports that they want to discuss. You are also encouraged to bring any expired medications or drugs that you no longer take so we can safely dispose of them for you.

Book your medication review today! Appointments can be made by calling or visiting your local London Drugs pharmacy, or by requesting an appointment through the London Drugs Pharmacy App. If you have questions about medication reviews or any other pharmacy service, speak to one of our pharmacists anytime.

Medication Reviews in Brief

What is a medication review:

Thorough consultation with a pharmacist to discuss all medication and health concerns.

Who should have a medication review:

Patients who take multiple prescription medications
Patients who were recently discharged from hospital
Patients who receive care from multiple healthcare providers
Patients who take over-the-counter medications and/or natural health products
Patients with chronic diseases

Additional reasons for a medication review:

You want to simplify your medication regimen
You want to reduce the amount of money you spend on medication
You want to feel less overwhelmed by your medicines
You want to make sure that your medicines are working for you and not causing side effects or other interactions.

Where and when are medication reviews are held:

They are in-person appointments held at the pharmacy in a semi-private consultation booth or in a private consultation room.
Appointments typically last 30 to 45 minutes and occur every 6 to 12 months.
Follow-up appointments are available to check on any changes made at the initial appointment, if there is a change in patient’s medication or health status, or whenever a patient requests.

The why, when and what of menopause

Menopause marks the end of the transitional phase women go through as their bodies pass out of the childbearing stage of life. Even though all women experience “the change of life,” as it is often called, there is still a lot of confusion surrounding the stages of menopause and how to make the transition more comfortable. Put simply, menopause is the point 12 months after a woman’s final menstrual period. The transition leading up to that point is referred to as perimenopause.

Perimenopause:

Perimenopause generally begins between the ages of 45 and 55 and usually lasts about seven years, although it can last up to 14 years in some women. During this phase, a woman may experience a variety of changes, both physical and emotional. Emotional changes can range from feeling depressed about getting older to being happy about no longer having to worry about the possibility of becoming pregnant. Health professionals generally counsel women to focus on the positive aspects of the change and how it is the beginning of a new stage of life, one without the pain and inconvenience of menstruation. Think about it—no more cramps, no more having to stock up on sanitary products such as pads and tampons, and no more worrying about unexpected periods. Some women go through the perimenopausal years without experiencing any significant symptoms, but most women will notice some symptoms as their bodies’ production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone change. You may find that mild symptoms are manageable with lifestyle adjustments (such as dressing in layers so they can adapt to changes in body temperature), while others may require the help of your healthcare team.

Common symptoms:

The symptoms can vary greatly from woman to woman, but among the most common symptoms a woman may experience are:

Changes to period
Hot flashes
Loss of bladder control
Sleep difficulties
Vaginal dryness
Changes in libido
Mood disturbances
Memory problems
Weight gain
Night Sweats

Because changes to hormone levels can be triggering these symptoms, it is impossible to predict which women will get which symptoms, how severe they will be, or how often they will occur.

Treatments:

For vaginal dryness

Non-medicated vaginal moisturizers and lubricants: daily use, a few days per week, or specifically during intercourse
Prescription vaginal estrogen tablets or cream

For hot flashes and night sweats

Hormone replacement therapies: estrogen and progesterone
Other prescription medications: antidepressants, clonidine, gabapentin, pregabalin

Although hot flashes and vaginal dryness are the most common concerns, there are many treatments, prescription and non-prescription, available to help treat other menopausal symptoms you may be experiencing. Speak with your healthcare team, including your pharmacist, to help you choose what types of therapies may be right for you.

Herbal remedies:

Among the natural, non hormonal products used to treat menopausal symptoms are black cohosh, red clover, and evening primrose oil, which may reduce hot flashes in some women. Another option is ginseng, which may help with moods, a sense of well-being, and sleep disturbances.

In Canada there are regulations in place to ensure that natural health products are safe, effective for their intended use, and of high quality. However, more studies are necessary to demonstrate a high level of effectiveness, and just because a product is natural does not mean that is it without harm. Some herbal medications can interact with other medications or can cause harmful side effects for some people. Check with your pharmacist before starting any new natural remedy and inform your doctor as well. Your healthcare team can help you find the right products that will be safe for you to try.

Back to Routine: Medication Safety Review For Caregivers

With the end of summer approaching, it is time to return to regular routines. During this transition period many parents are busy organizing childcare for their children, and grandparents, other family members, or friends often step in to offer their support.

If you do not regularly have children visit your home, you may not have recently thought about all the ways to “childproof” your space. Locking up cabinets with cleaning products and putting away breakable heirlooms are the first things thought of, but don’t forget about your medications. Medication-related accidents can cause serious harm. It is important for everyone to regularly review medication safety, especially if having kids in your home.

Store medications in a secure location out of the reach of children. Lots of medications come in child safe containers, but many do not. Most eye drops, ear drops, blister packaged medications, creams, nasal sprays, and others do not come in child safe packaging. Daily or weekly pill boxes are tempting for kids to explore. Additionally, some children watch and learn how to open a container that is designed to be “child-proof”. So, a good rule is to store all medications safely and out of reach. Lock boxes are recommended if there are controlled or narcotic medications in the house. These can be especially dangerous if ingested by a child.

Properly dispose of all old medications. The more medicine in the house, the greater the risk of accidental use. It is tempting to keep extra medications “just in case” but this comes with a risk of taking something for the wrong use, or accidental use of expired or contaminated medications. And never give one of your prescription medications to someone else. Discontinued therapy and expired or unused medications should be returned to a pharmacy for free safe disposal. Do not flush them down the toilet or sink. The pharmacy will send the medications to a medical waste disposal company for incineration to keep them out of the landfill and water supply. Empty all loose tablets into a clear resealable bag (mixed up is fine) and recycle the pill containers at home. All other types of medication containers such as bottles of liquids, creams, eye drops, or inhalers can be returned to the pharmacy in their original containers. Be sure to protect your privacy by removing and destroying prescription labels or by making them unreadable.

Keep sharps containers in a secure location and dispose safely. Immediately place used needles and breakables like empty glass injection vials, into a plastic medical waste bin called a “sharps container” and store at home in a safe location, inaccessible to children. Medications in patch form can also be placed in a sharps container after folding in half to avoid accidental exposure to the medicine on the sticky side of the patch. When ready for disposal, the sharps container can be dropped off at most pharmacies for free, where it will be safely destroyed by incineration like other medications.

Avoid calling medications candy. It can be difficult to convince children to take their medication and sometimes we might try to entice them by referring to their medicine as candy or yummy. This can be harmful in the long run because it reduces the ability of a child to distinguish between medications and candy and can increase the likelihood of dangerous medication consumption.

Do not take medications in front of children. Children are naturally curious and are often motivated to mimic actions they see in adults. Try and take your medications out of the sight of children and properly close the containers and return the medications to a secure location out of the reach of children immediately once done taking them.

Dosing medications carefully for children. Always use a proper medication measuring device when measuring a dose of medicine for a child, such as fever or pain relievers, cough medicines, or prescription antibiotics. Items such as kitchen teaspoons should not be used because they are not necessarily the right measurement and can lead to dosing errors that can cause harm. To determine the dose for a child, read the instructions provided on the medication label every time. If unclear, call a pharmacist for assistance. Many times, a child’s medication dose is determined by their weight or age. Children are not just “small adults” and they require specific dosing that differs from the adult dose. If there are no directions listed for kids on the label, then assume it is not safe for kids. These include many non-prescription cough and cold products. If you are going to give a child a medication, check with their parent first to make sure they did not give a dose already, are planning a dose later, or if the child has allergies.

Be cautious of giving products with duplicate ingredients. Finally, be aware that many multi-symptom products used to treat cough, cold, flu, and fever contain the same or similar ingredients. Doubling up on medications can cause harmful side effects or even overdose. For example, many non-prescription products for kids and adults too, contain acetaminophen. Accidental acetaminophen overdose is unfortunately a common cause of emergency room visits, liver damage, and can even be fatal. Always check the labels for duplicate ingredients, and check with a pharmacist if you are not sure.

Know what to do in case of accidental medication ingestion. Accidents can happen to anyone. Most areas in Canada offer a free poison control telephone service. Calling this number can provide you with the information you need to determine your next steps. Ensure you write down your provincial poison control number somewhere accessible or call 911 in case of an emergency. Canada has also launched a new toll-free number that will re-route you to your local poison center. If you are unsure of your local poison center, you can call 1-844 POISON-X or 1-844-764-7669.

Hepatitis C screening urged for all Canadians born between 1945 and 1975

Did you know that London Drugs offers accessible hepatitis C screening at select locations in BC and Alberta?

Nine in ten people living with viral hepatitis C (HCV) are unaware that they have the life-threatening infection because it can take decades before symptoms become evident. The Canadian Association for the Study of the Liver guidelines recommend testing for people at increased risk of infection, as well as one-time testing for all Canadians born between 1945 and 1975 due to inferior infection prevention and control practices, and unscreened blood products before 1992.

Anyone can now be screened for hepatitis C with a simple finger prick test at select London Drugs locations throughout BC and Alberta. The test, called the OraQuick HCV Rapid Antibody Test, is more than 99% accurate at detecting HCV antibodies (to show the history of exposure to the virus) within 20 minutes. The cost of the test in BC is $24.

In case of a positive antibody result, pharmacists will notify the patient’s family physician for a confirmatory blood test to determine the current infections status, called RNA viral load. Pharmacists also provide education about available curative therapies and support patients through their treatment journey. Treatment typically involves daily antiviral medications for 8 to 12 weeks and can cure over 95% of people with hepatitis C.

In Alberta, the scope of practice allows pharmacists to order and interpret blood work and prescribe medication for chronic, non-complicated hepatitis C. Many London Drugs pharmacists are currently participating in a research study in Alberta, called LiveRx, providing this testing and linkage to care at no cost.

Many London Drugs pharmacists have received additional education to offer expert advice, improve access to testing and treatment for this potentially liver-destroying virus, and reduce the stigma associated with the blood-borne illness. A complete list of locations where you can find our hepatitis C trained pharmacists can be found here.

Summer Minor Ailments

Summer can be a great time to unwind and relax outdoors with additional positive effects on our general wellbeing and health. As we enjoy this much anticipated season, it is important to also be aware of some minor ailments that can be more prevalent during the warmer months. Some of the most common summer ailments are sunburns, cold sores, bug bites, toenail fungus, athletes’ foot, vaginal yeast infection, upset stomach and heartburn. These common minor ailments that come from those fun summer days should not ruin your planned activities or holidays. Pharmacists can now assess your symptoms and prescribe medications for these concerns, without you having to wait for a doctor’s appointment. London Drugs is your convenient one stop shop for all your health and wellness needs so you can spend more time enjoying your summer.

Toe Nail Infections

Summer is the season to kick off your boots and throw your feet into your favorite pair of sandals. With your feet on display, you want to ensure your toes look and feel great. Fungal infections can impact the appearance of your nails and cause pain and discomfort. They are caused by yeasts, moulds and other types of fungus that thrive in warm and moist places. Toenail fungus can spread from person to person and common ways of acquiring the infection include walking barefoot in public spaces, sharing personal items or through spread from an athlete’s foot infection. Nails infected with fungus may appear yellow, white or brown, become thicker and can crumble or split.

Once developed, fungal nail infections can be quite difficult to treat, requiring months of treatment as you wait for healthy nails to grow out. You can reduce your risk of getting a fungal nail infection by keeping your feet clean and dry, not going barefoot in public places, not sharing personal items such as shoes, socks, towels, nail clippers, nail polish and by changing your socks often. People with diabetes need to be especially cautious as serious secondary infections can occur. If you suspect that you have a fungal nail infection and would like to explore your treatment options, talk to your local pharmacist they might be able to prescribe medication to treat it.

Cold Sores

Did you know that sun exposure can be a trigger for cold sores? Cold sores, or fever blisters, are caused by the herpes simplex virus and it can spread to others when blisters are present around the lips or nose. Once you have been exposed to the virus, future outbreaks can be triggered by sun exposure, upper respiratory tract infections, surgery, stress, hormonal changes, tiredness and extreme temperatures. Some ways to prevent spreading cold sores and reduce your number of outbreaks include avoiding triggers, using sunscreen or lip balm with a minimum of SPF30, avoiding touching open cold sores on yourself and avoid skin-to-skin contact or sharing personal items with others until sores are dried up and crusted over, or healed completely.

Cold sores often start with a tingling or burning sensation before a blister forms. The blisters will usually leak a clear fluid before crusting over and healing within 7-10 days. Cold sores can be the cause of embarrassment, pain, and inconvenience. In many provinces, pharmacists can assess cold sores as a minor ailment, and they may recommend non-prescription products and/or prescription creams or oral antiviral tablets as part of your treatment. Many treatments are most effective when started early, before a blister forms, so don’t delay asking for help.

Insect Bites and Stings

As we enjoy the warm weather, we also face an increased risk for bug bites and stings. These are not always just a minor inconvenience, many of them can carry diseases or cause severe allergic reactions.

Ticks can be found in wooded areas or places with tall grasses or shrubs or under leaves and are common in summer but can be active at any time of the year if the conditions are right. Ticks can bite, and some can transmit bacteria leading to Lyme disease, which if left untreated can cause fever, chills, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes or problems with the heart and nervous systems. An early indication of Lyme disease is a red target-like rash within 3 to 30 days after the tick bite. If you find a tick on your skin, it is important to remove it carefully as soon as it is discovered by grasping it as close a possible to where the head attaches to the skin with tweezers or a tick-remover tool and pulling upwards slowly. Keep the tick in a bag or bottle and show your healthcare provider to determine if antibiotic treatment is recommended.

Mosquitoes in many parts of the world are capable of transmitting viruses to humans that lead to serious diseases like malaria and dengue. Fortunately, most mosquito bites in Canada only cause mild to moderately itchy spots that can become swollen or inflamed, especially when scratched. Symptoms usually go away on their own in a few days and can be relieved with non-prescription anti-itch creams. However, it is important to point out that each year some cases of mosquito-borne West Nile virus are found in Canada with symptoms ranging from no noticeable effects to fever, body aches, fatigue, rash, meningitis or encephalitis appearing 2-15 days after infection. See a doctor or pharmacist if you need help relieving the itch, or if you experience unusual symptoms.

Bee and wasp stings contain venom that commonly causes pain and localized inflammation and swelling for a few hours. Honeybees and bumblebees do not usually sting unless they are provoked or are protecting their nests and are only able to sting once in their life. Carefully remove the stinger from your skin if you can see it. Wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets can sting multiple times. Some people are severely allergic to bee or wasp venom and anaphylactic reactions can occur. Seek medical attention immediately if any difficulty breathing, swelling in the throat, or hives. If you have a history of severe reactions, you should always carry an epinephrine injection with you.

Some general measures to avoid insect bites and stings include, wearing insect repellent when bugs cannot be avoided, wearing long protective clothing that covers exposed skin, using bug nets and window screens and regularly inspecting yourself for any insects that may be attached to your skin. There are many products marketed to relieve bug bite symptoms for of itchiness, redness, pain and swelling. Selecting a treatment can become overwhelming. Speak to your pharmacist to help you assess your bite and for recommendations on how to manage your symptoms. Pharmacists in certain provinces can assess insect bites and stings as minor ailments and can prescribe oral antihistamines or topical steroids to help relieve your symptoms.

Health benefits of travelling

Vacation time is something most people look forward to—even if they end up not going anywhere. Sometimes just planning a trip can be enjoyable and relaxing. But you may be interested to discover that actually taking that vacation can be good for your health. Scientific studies have shown that travelling can offer the following health benefits.

Travel relieves stress

Travel removes you from your usual routine and gives you a chance to try new foods, explore new places, and meet new people—all of which can reduce stress and improve your mood. And feelings of relaxation and improved mood can last for weeks after your return. When you are less stressed, you may see improvements in your relationships and may be better able to focus at work and improve your productivity.

Travel encourages physical activity

While you may be sitting for hours in a car, train, bus, or plane while you are getting to your destination, once you arrive, you are more likely to increase your activity level. Even if you follow an exercise program at home, you are not likely to be physically active for much more than an hour or so a day. Think about all the walking you can do when you are on vacation and exploring new cities, visiting museums, art galleries, parks, recreation centers, local attractions, or just having fun. Some vacation destinations are focused on activities such as swimming, tennis, golf, and other sports. You may not even notice that you are working your muscles more because your attention will be distracted by the fun you’re having.

Travel can increase creativity

Discovering new cultures, learning to speak a new language, and exploring new landscapes can change your perspective on the world and help you with problem solving. This is a skill you can bring home with you to help keep your stress level lower.

Travel can boost your immunity

Being exposed to different environments brings you into contact with different disease-causing pathogens, and that triggers your body to create a variety of antibodies that strengthen your immune system to protect you from different illnesses and keep you from becoming ill. Some of these pathogens are relatively harmless, while others should be avoided by vaccination before your trip. Check with your pharmacist or London Drugs Travel Clinic at least six weeks before your trip to see if any vaccines are recommended or required for your travel destination.

Travel can decrease your risk of heart disease

A number of studies have shown that people who take frequent vacations have a substantially lower risk of having a heart attack.

Travel may have a positive effect on your brain health

In fact, there is some evidence to show that travelling may benefit people with dementia. While more studies are needed, it is believed that travel helps through its impact on four components:

feelings, emotions, and mood (affective experience)
thoughts and memories (cognitive experience)
behavior (conative experience)
senses (sensorial experience)

Safe travel

Of course, encountering a problem while travelling can take the fun out of a vacation and reduce its benefits, so a little planning is needed to get the most out of your trip. A good place to start is with asking your London Drugs pharmacists for travel health advice. Your pharmacist can help you determine how much of your prescription and over-the-counter medicines you should take with you, so you won’t run out if your return is delayed, and how they should be stored during your trip.

A travel first aid kit is important to take along with you, and your pharmacist can help you customize your kit based on activities you and your travel companions will be engaging in while you are away. Your pharmacist can also advise on what medications or vaccinations you may need for your trip.

If you need specialized travel advice, book an appointment at one of our Travel Clinic locations. All our travel clinic pharmacists have obtained a Certificate in Travel Health from the International Society of Travel Medicine. They can provide you with routine, recommended, and required vaccinations specific for your destination as well as information on medications for travelers’ diarrhea, altitude sickness, and more. Plan to speak to your pharmacist at least six weeks ahead of your trip, if possible, as some vaccines require multiple doses. If it is a last-minute trip, we can often start your vaccinations so you will get at least some benefit while you are away, and then finish the remaining doses when you return for long-lasting protection.

Visit us online at ldtravelclinics.ca for more information about our Travel Clinic locations and booking information.

Finally, be sure to have adequate travel insurance. A good plan will give you peace of mind so that if you do require medical attention on your vacation, you will have the support and coverage that you need. Visit a London Drugs Insurance department or learn more online at ldinsurance.ca/travel-insurance.

Stay safe, have fun, and come back rested, relaxed, and healthy.

Overdose Awareness Month – Overdose Can Affect Anyone

Medication Review – Why and When to Request a Medication Review

The why, when and what of menopause

Perimenopause:

Common symptoms: