Helping you deliver patient-centred care with the latest news and essential information about key products and developments in store.
#PrescribeKindness
Thank you to every one of you for your incredible commitment and compassion during this time. Help us to celebrate your everyday victories by sharing your stories with the hashtag #PrescribeKindness on twitter.
For more inspiring stories, take a look at the 'Everyday heroes' interview in this edition of InStore.
Mental health resources
It can be hard to prioritise mental wellbeing during challenging times like these. Boots has partnered with Pharmacist Support on the ACTNow campaign, which aims to encourage pharmacists to ACTNow:
- Allow time for wellbeing
- Consider needs of your colleagues
- Take action.
As part of the campaign, you can access a range of free resources to support wellbeing and mental health. You can find more information on Pharmacy Unscripted.
- Products & updates
- Interview Everyday heroes
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FEATURED BRAND
VIAGRA CONNECT® (P)
Sildenafil
Item codes: See Boots.com
Erectile dysfunction treatment without a prescription.*
Trusted by over one million men.1
Around 4.3 million men in the UK are affected by erection problems.2 Although erection problems are common, customers may feel embarrassed to talk about it, so it's important to handle queries with empathy and sensitivity. Customers may feel more comfortable having a conversation in a private consultation room.
VIAGRA CONNECT is a treatment for adult men with erection problems. It works by relaxing the muscles in the penis, improving blood flow. Sexual stimulation is needed for the product to work. When recommending VIAGRA CONNECT, use the Pharmacy Checklist to assess whether the product is suitable for your customer. Refer to the pharmacist if you are unsure of suitability.
Directions for use
Men aged 18 years and over: Take one tablet approximately an hour before sexual activity. The maximum recommended dose is one tablet per day. If this product is taken with or after food, the onset of action may be delayed. It should not be taken with grapefruit or grapefruit juice as this may affect how the product works. Men should be advised to see their GP within six months of first supply.
See below for product information.
* Subject to stock availability and clinician or pharmacist approval.
References
1. Kantar 2019, Viagra Connect Omnibus Survey, 1,499 men 35+ yrs & UK male population 35+ yrs (Data on file).
2. Kantar TNS Omnibus Survey Dec 2010 - in a survey of 1,033 men (Data on file).
Salonpas Pain Relief Patch (GSL)
Item code: 78-73-360
Price: £8.20
An anti-inflammatory patch for pain relief of muscle and joints associated with strains, sprains, backache and bruises.
Salonpas Pain Relief Patch:
- Delivers the active ingredients directly to the site of pain with less systemic exposure
- Works for up to 12 hours
- Stretchable and flexible
- Can be used on and around joints
- Easy to apply.
This product is suitable for adults aged 18 years and over. For usage and directions, read the product pack and leaflet. Customers should be advised to use no more than two plasters in 24 hours. The patches should not be used for more than three days in a row.
See below for product information.
Boots Vitamin D3 Peppermint Spray
Item code: 85-97-065
Price: £6.00
Delivers vitamin D directly into the mouth without the hassle of swallowing pills.+
Specifically formulated with a tasty peppermint flavour, the oral spray technology is faster than tablets. The high strength formula of vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones, muscles and teeth, while supporting the normal function of the immune system.
This product is free from artificial colours and flavours and is dairy-free.
Directions for use: Adults and children over 12 years should spray once into the mouth, onto the inside of the cheek, and hold for 30 seconds before swallowing. Shake well before use. Do not exceed the daily dose.
+ Food supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle
VIAGRA CONNECT 50mg Film Coated tablets Active ingredient: Sildenafil Supply classification: P Indications: For erectile dysfunction in adult men. Further information about this product, including adverse reactions, precautions, contraindications, and method of use can be found at https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/8725 or from Upjohn UK, Walton Oaks, Surrey, KT20 7NS.
May 2020 PP-VUJ-GBR-0118
Salonpas Pain Relief Patch contains Methyl Salicylate; Levomenthol. Indications: For the symptomatic relief of pain of muscles and joints associated with strains and sprains. Legal category: GSL. Information about this product, including adverse reactions, precautions, contraindications and method of use can be found at https://mhraproductsprod.blob.core.windows.net/docs-20200204/3fb5807bbe852cb8f876082cf692e17676d812bb Marketing authorisation number: PL 23168/0001. Further information is available from Licence Holder: Hisamitsu UK Limited, 5 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1LG, UK. Last revised: February 2020.
INTERVIEW - DILRAJ SEHMI
Everyday heroes
Pharmacist Store Manager Dilraj Sehmi and her team at Haydock Green, Northolt, have been adapting to pandemic life and going the extra mile to support their community.
How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected your working life?
It has been an intense time for the entire team these past few months. We saw a huge tsunami of prescriptions, calls for reassurance and footfall almost overnight.
We have had to adapt to working in different ways, be it organising different work streams, working nights, keeping up to date with knowledge and communicating even more effectively. My team and I had to absorb and apply the messages coming from the government really quickly, as well as keeping on top of a demanding workload in a way that kept our customers safe.
What are your main challenges?
The main challenges are making sure our customers are well, maintaining social distancing and making sure that those with long-term conditions, complex needs or susceptibility to mental health conditions are supported to feel well.
Customers usually come to the pharmacy as their first port of call, but some are now reluctant to seek healthcare. In one case, a man came in asking for sleeping tablets, but it turned out he couldn't sleep because he was in pain from a hernia. This hernia had grown considerably in four weeks and could not retract; he was holding it in with a belt! We had to refer him to urgent care.
How have you been supporting vulnerable customers?
For some customers, we may be some of the few people they see regularly during lockdown.
During Easter, when supermarket shelves had been stripped bare, we got donations from Waitrose and made care packages of canned goods, toilet paper, bread, hot cross buns, hand sanitiser, etc. We delivered these to our Medisure patients and those without family or outside help.
How are you keeping your spirits up?
One of our favourite ways to keep spirits up is through our 'Wellness Wednesdays'. On Wednesdays, we do something fun, creative or mindful, like drawing gratitude trees or making TikTok videos. We also focus on the basics, such as access to breaks, good nutrition and hydration. If we keep well ourselves, we can better support our customers.
The extra mile
When a regular customer at the pharmacy was struggling, Pharmacy Advisor Tina stepped in to help.
A familiar face at the pharmacy, Phil* has a long-term health problem and takes regular medication. He also cares for his mother, who has mental health problems.
When Phil's sister started displaying Covid-19 symptoms, his household had to self-isolate for two weeks. However, he was running out of his medication and there had been a mix-up at the surgery when he tried to request more.
Phil contacted the pharmacy and Tina sorted it out for him straight away. During their conversation, Phil mentioned in passing that they were also running out of food.
Tina not only hand-delivered Phil's medication to his door, but she also surprised him with a box of food to keep them going.
* Name has been changed for confidentiality