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Prescriptions
Herbal Remedies & Vitamins
Sun Care
Cold & Flu
Smoking Cessation
Health Check
PRESCRIPTIONS
Drugs Payment Scheme
This scheme covers families and individuals for the cost of their prescribed medication. Under the DPS, no individual or family will have to pay more than €100 in any calendar month for approved medicines and appliances for use by that person or his/her family in that month.
How does it work?
McGorisk’s Pharmacy do not charge more than €100 per month per Family for all approved prescriptions and medicines. If a medication bill is less than €100 in one month the cost of the medicine is all that we charge. Once the combined family bill reaches €100 in a month, the expense is automatically capped.
Once your registration form has been processed each person named thereon will receive a plastic swipe card which they must present when having presciptions filled at a community pharmacy. All members of a family should use the same pharmacy throughout a month to obtain prescribed medication. Evidence in the form of receipts for dispensed items in a calender month must be presented to allow the pharmacist establish the amount, if any, to be paid by a family in that month. Credit for amounts in excess of €100 paid in a calendar month by members of the same family can be claimed from a community pharmacy or local health board by presenting all receipts at the time of dispensing.
We recommend that you apply for a card, even if you don’t think you will use it. This will save you having to fill out forms when a member of your family is ill. However, please remember that even if you have not applied for the scheme, we will still be able to arrange an on the spot registration for you or any member of your family if an expensive prescription is ever required.
Am I Eligible?
Everyone resident in Ireland is entitled to apply for the scheme. However those holding a current Medical card need not do so. A plastic registration card will be issued for all patients (including children) for whom a completed application form is returned to the Health Board. The card should then be presented when having prescriptions filled at any of our pharmacies.
How do I apply?
You may pick up a form from any McGorisk’s Pharmacy at any time. We will be happy to assist you filling out your application. Once you apply for your card you will be issued to you in a few weeks.
Can I claim this against my tax?
Medicines are tax deductable, please feel free to call in to our pharmacy at any time for a personalised prescription statement and a "MED 1" application form and information leaflet.
General Medical Card (GMS)
People who qualify for free medicine under the GMS include:
Persons on low income (means tested)
If you do not qualify for a GMS card or if your medication is not allowed under the GMS, you may be entitled to get it through the hardship scheme, which considers both the applicant's financial circumstances and the medical necessity for the supply of items. Contact your local health centre for further details.
Long Term Illness
The Long-Term Illness Scheme allows people with certain conditions, to obtain the medicines and appliances they require for the treatment of their condition, without charge. No means test is involved. Some conditions included in this scheme are:Mental Disability,Diabetes, Haemophilia, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Cystic Fibrosis etc. Contact your local health centre for further details.
Over the Counter Medicines available on DPS or GMS
Many over the counter medicines are available on the GMS or DPS when prescribed by your doctor, although some dispensary packages vary in appearance. Please ask in store for details.
Hardship Scheme
Many medicines and medical devices (e.g. Support Stockings, Nebulisers etc.) that are not available on the GMS maybe reimbursed by the local Health Board through our Pharmacies. There is no fixed list, but one of our trained staff would be able to discuss it with you in more detail.
Save on Medicines
Ask our dispensary staff if there is a cheaper generic alternative to your prescribed medication. They contain the very same active ingredient and are made to the same high standards as the “big brands.” They will usually save you more than 20% on the drug cost.
Doctor Visit Card
This is a type of medical card that entitles the holder to visit their G.P. free of charge. It is aimed at the people who are just above the threshold for the full medical card.
Travelling Abroad
If you are travelling within the EU, make sure to get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This entitles you to emergency medical treatment if required.
See http://oasis.gov.ie/moving_country/moving_abroad/e111.html for a complete list of countries where the card is valid and more information. Note that the EHIC does not guarantee free medical care in all countries.
The EHIC is available from your local health centre.
GENERAL HEALTH CARE
Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies are made from parts of plants that through either observation or scientific research have been shown to be beneficial to health.
Safety in children
As with medicines, herbal remedies should be administered to children with care and professional advice. While generally accepted as safe, it is prudent to be cautious. Always follow the instructions carefully.
Precautions
Keep out of reach of children.
Store in a cool dry place.
Do not use past the expiry date.
Pregnant and lactating women should consult with their doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicines or herbal remedies.
Before use, ensure product has not been tampered with and read
instructions carefully.
Always check with pharmacist for any interactions with concurrent medications.
If symptoms persist, always seek professional help.
You should take herbal preparations only for as long as required or as recommended by a health professional.
Side Effects
Most herbal preparations are generally recognised as safe with few, if any, known side-effects. However, if you suspect you may be experiencing side effects, please discontinue taking the preparation and consult your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare professional.
Remember: Always read the label carefully. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
Vitamins
Under normal circumstances, most vitamin and mineral supplements are perfectly safe when used by healthy adults. There are however certain basic precautions that you should take before embarking on a course of supplements.
Before you start taking any supplements, consult your health care professional:
If you have ever had an allergic or unusual reaction to any medicine, food, or other substance. If you are a coeliac or a diabetic, or if you are on a low-salt, low-sugar, or any other special diet. Most supplements contain more than their active ingredient, and liquid supplements may contain alcohol.
If you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding. Certain supplements in higher dosages are not safe for the unborn child (Vitamin A)
If you have any medical condition for which you are currently receiving attention.
- DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS AND HERBAL PREPARATIONS ARE NOT INTENDED TO CURE OR TREAT ANY DISEASE. IF YOU BELIEVE YOU MAY BE SUFFERING FROM AN ILLNESS, CONSULT WITH YOUR MEDICAL PRACTITIONER BEFORE EMBARKING ON SELF MEDICATION.
- DO NOT SUBSTITUTE PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION WITH DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS OR HERBAL PREPARATIONS. IF IN DOUBT, ALWAYS SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE BEFORE EMBARKING ON A COURSE OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS OR HERBAL PREPARATIONS.
Proper Use of Your Supplements
Take supplements only as directed. Always read the label. Do not exceed dosage.
Different supplements should never be mixed in one container. It’s best to keep supplements in their original containers when not in use.
When taking supplements, each dose should be swallowed whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing unless you have been specifically told that it is all right to do so.
Supplements may come in a number of different dosage forms, such as tablets, capsules, and liquids. If you have trouble swallowing the dosage form recommended for you, check with your health care professional. Another dosage form that you can swallow more easily may be available.
Side Effects of Your Supplements
Supplements are generally regarded as safe and except in very high doses do not cause any side effects. Some of these side effects may need medical attention, while others may not. It is important for you to know what side effects may occur and what you should do if you notice signs of them. Check with your health care professional about the possible side effects of the supplements you are taking, or if you notice any unusual reactions or side effects not mentioned in this book.
Sun Care
If you are still not sure how to best protect yourself and your family from the sun, have a look at the suncare tips below from RoC:
1. Wear a high SPF sunscreen on all exposed areas of the skin, even on cloudy days.
2. Re-apply sunscreen every two hours.
3. Apply creams liberally and evenly 20 minutes before going out in the sun, most people only use half the amount they need.
4. Try to stay out of the sun between 11am and 4.00pm as this is when the sun's rays are at their strongest.
5. Wear a hat and sunglasses with UV protective lenses.
6. Cover up with loose-fitting clothes of natural tightly woven fabric, for example linen trousers.
7. When swimming you should use a water resistant product and re-apply your sun cream after drying yourself.
8. Avoid exposing children under 6 months of age to the sun.
9. Use products without chemical filters for children under 3.
Cold & Flu
The common cold is caused by infection with any one of up to 200 different
strains of virus. Sometimes a mixture of two or more different viruses is present.
Common Cold
Starts gradually
Slight temperature after first 24 hours
Normal appetite
Slight headache
Stuffed or runny nose with sneezing
Sore throat
Feeling tired
Flu
Starts rapidly
Raised temperature in first 24 hours lasting 3/5 days
Loss of appetite
Severe headache
Muscular aches & pains
Nausea and vomiting
Feeling exhausted
The Flu (influenza)
- There are only 3 main types of flu virus - A, B and C, each with different strains
- New strains arise frequently and are often followed by a flu epidemic as the virus spreads through the population
- Gradually people develop some immunity against the particular strain and the epidemic dies away
- Flu sometimes has a second peak in symptoms, caused by a peak in viral multiplication.
VACCINATION IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED FOR OLDER PEOPLE, YOUNGER PEOPLE IN THE CHRONIC DISEASE “AT RISK GROUPS” AND ALSO FOR KEY HEALTHCARE STAFF AND CARERS.
Myths v's Facts
Colds are NOT caused by:
Getting wet
Not dressing warmly enough
What DOES make you more susceptible/ symptoms worse?
Poor nutrition
Fatigue
Other illness
Sore Throat
There are a number of different causes
- Usually a cold and flu infection which causes mucus to drip down the back of the throat from the nose
- Over use of the voice
- Gastric reflux - backing up of stomach acid into the throat
- Dry heat in the home or office - which may dry the cleansing flow of mucus over throat lining
- Environmental irritants e.g. cigarette smoke, dust, smog, pollen
Sore Throats In Children
- Strep throat (Streptococcus bacteria) is common, and sometimes associated with a fine red rash occurring over the arms and body (scarlet fever)
- Tonsillitis (infection of the tonsils) can cause a chronic sore throat
Smoking Cessation
The Benefits Of Quitting Are Immediate...
The good news is that once you quit smoking, your body experiences a series of beneficial health changes that begin immediately and continue for years.
Within 20 minutes of quitting, your blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal. Circulation improves in the hands and feet, making them warmer. After 8 hours, oxygen levels in the blood return to normal. Your chances of a heart attack start to fall. Within 24 hours, carbon monoxide is cleared from your body and after 48 hours, your sense of taste and smell begin to improve. After 72 hours, breathing will become easier and your energy levels will increase. After 1 year, your risk of a heart attack reduces by 50%. After 10 years, your risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker and your risk of a heart attack falls to about the same as someone who has never smoked.
Reference: http://www.cancer.ie/smoking/benefits/http://www.ash.org.uk
HEALTH CHECK
McGorisk’s Pharmacy is delighted to offer a new service “Health Check”. With an increasing rate of heart disease and asthma, it’s important to take action and get your health checked. Good health is not just the absence of disease; it’s about prevention and well being. We can check and advise you on the following:
- Blood Pressure
- Cholesterol
- Diabetes (glucose)
- Asthma
- Weight Management
For a healthy lifestyle:
- aim for a healthy weight
- eat less salt and more fruit and vegetables
- drink less alcohol
- be more physically active every day
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