How does Xenical help with weight loss? Is it effective? Is it safe? This blog post will answer all the questions you have about Xenical.

What Is Xenical?

Google “weight loss” and you’ll probably see millions of pages dedicated to it. Some resources will teach you fasting techniques, some introduce a new diet, others focus on weight loss exercises, etc. Some may even entice you towards ‘magic weight loss pills’ that do all the work for you.

Xenical (Orlistat) is an over-the-counter tablet that’s designed to help you drop some weight. It is the only drug that’s been proven safe in clinical trials. Along with a balanced diet and proper exercise, Xenical can help you lose weight over time. And no - it’s not a magic pill that you can take and then shed off a few pounds overnight (they don’t exist!). You will still need to watch what you are eating and follow an exercise regime.

How Does Xenical Help You Lose Weight?

Xenical works in your gut. It stops the fat from the food you eat from being absorbed by your body and gets rid of it through your stool. With that said, Xenical is only effective when you take it with the meal plan and exercise program designed by your doctor or nutritionist.

Who Is Xenical For?

Xenical is a weight loss pill that makes it hard for your body to absorb fat. Doctors often use BMI to decide whether you can take weight loss pills or not. Xenical is prescribed to those with a BMI of 27 and above or when you have weight-related illnesses like high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

Remember that Xenical is not meant to replace a healthy diet and exercise. Rather, it’s a supplement to help you lose weight healthily and effectively.

How Effective Is Xenical?

According to clinical trials, Xenical is more effective in helping you lose weight compared to lifestyle changes alone. Consider this one study from Shire Health International:

The one year study, involving 539 adolescents aged 12 to 16, evaluated the efficacy and safety of Xenical in conjunction with lifestyle changes (a mildly reduced-calorie diet, exercise and behavioural therapy) compared to the efficacy of lifestyle changes alone.

Study results showed that adolescents treated with Xenical had:

• significantly greater reduction in fat mass (-2.4 kg vs. -0.38kg) (p=0.033).
• significantly reduced BMI compared with adolescents receiving lifestyle changes alone (-0.67 kg/m2 vs. +0.17 kg/m2) (p=0.001)

In addition:

• a greater proportion of Xenical treated adolescents achieved a =5% and =10% decrease in BMI (27% vs. 16% and 13.3% vs. 4.5% respectively)
• Xenical was well tolerated and reported adverse events were similar to those seen in adults.

How Long Does It Take For Xenical To Start Working?

Xenical will start working its wonders after your first dose. But the results will not come overnight. You will start seeing changes within two weeks as long as you follow your meal plan and regular exercise program. Weight loss becomes significant within the first 6 months of using Xenical.

Is Xenical Dangerous?

According to experts, “Xenical has a long-term safety profile unmatched in the field of weight loss”. This weight loss medicine is well-tolerated by the body so your safety is not an issue. However, like all medicines, it does come with some side effects.

Most of the common side effects of Xenical are caused by the retention of oil and fats in your gut. These are normal and temporary. In fact, they are signs that the medicine is working:

• Oily spotting in your underwear
• Fatty or oily stools
• Brown or orange-coloured oil in your stool
• Rectal pain
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Loose stools or frequent need to go to the bathroom
• Gas

These side effects may lessen as your body gets used to Xenical.

Although rare, Xenical may also cause severe side effects. If you experience any of these, stop taking the weight loss pill and call your doctor immediately.

• Liver problems (dark urine, clay-coloured stool, yellowing of the skin, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea)
• Kidney problems (shortness of breath, tiredness, little to no urge of urinating, swelling in your ankles or feet)
• Severe lower back pain
• Severe stomach pain
• Blood in urine or painful urination

To avoid these side effects, make sure that you follow instructions carefully. In case you missed a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is already more than 1 hour since your last meal, skip the missed dose and take your weight loss medicine at your next schedule. Never take an extra dose to make up for the missed one.

Can I Buy Xenical Over The Counter?

Xenical is a prescription medication. You buy Xenical tablets from Express Pharmacy after you complete a free consultation service. Your weight loss tablets will then be delivered right to your doorstep.

Trimethoprim is an antibiotic commonly used to treat certain infections like Cystitis. Some doctors also recommend trimethoprim for chest infections and acne. In this blog post, you will learn about the proper way to take trimethoprim as well as the common side effects of trimethoprim tablets.

How And When To Take Trimethoprim Tablets

Trimethoprim is usually taken two times a day - once in the morning and once in the evening. This treatment doesn’t upset your stomach so you can take it without food.

The usual dose of trimethoprim tablets depends on the type of infection being treated, your age and any other underlying conditions. Elderly people and those with damaged kidneys are usually given lower doses.

You take trimethoprim by swallowing the tablets whole. If you find it hard to swallow tablets, trimethoprim is also available in made to order liquid form.

Always follow the dosage given by your doctor to avoid trimethoprim side effects.

How Long Is A Trimethoprim Course?

Again, the length of your antibiotic course will depend on your age, sex, underlying health problems, and infection being treated.

Women with UTIs usually take trimethoprim in a 3-day course. Men and pregnant women, on the other hand, need to take the antibiotic for 14 days. If you have a catheter or a complicated form of UTI, the common length of treatment is also 14 days.

If the UTI developed a complication called prostatitis or swelling of the prostate gland (men only), you may need to take a trimethoprim course of 4 to 6 weeks.

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s close to your next dose, skip the missed tablet and continue as normal. Never double dose unless directed by your doctor.

Common Side Effects of Trimethoprim Tablets

Most people taking trimethoprim experience mild itching or skin rash. This side effect usually goes away on its own after you stop taking the medication. The other common side effects of trimethoprim include:

• Diarrhoea
• Headaches
• Feeling sick
• Loss of appetite
• Taste problems
• Vomiting
• Nausea

Although rare, serious trimethoprim side effects can also happen. Stop taking the antibiotic and call your doctor immediately if you experience:

• Abnormal heartbeat, muscle weakness, and chest pains (you may have high potassium in your blood)
• Serious skin rashes, swelling of the skin that looks like burns, skin ulcers, blisters
• Headaches accompanied by fever, stiff neck, sensitivity to bright light, or tiredness (these can be symptoms of meningitis)
• Severe diarrhoea that lasts for more than 4 days or diarrhoea with blood
• Unexplained bruising or bleeding
• Sore throat, mouth ulcers or fever

Serious allergic reactions to trimethoprim are also possible. Get immediate medical care if you experience:

• Wheezing
• Skin rash with peeling or blistered skin
• Trouble breathing or talking
• Swelling face, mouth, lips, throat, or tongue
• Feeling of tightness in the chest

The best way to avoid these trimethoprim side effects is to always follow the dosage as directed by your doctor.

There are many different female contraceptive methods available; the choice leaves many people feeling overwhelmed! This guide will take you through the most popular contraceptive pills, helping you to find the best one for your body.

Is There A ‘Best’ Contraceptive Pill?

Let’s get this out of the way first. Is there really a “best” pill? The short answer is, no. All bodies react differently to treatments, meaning you need to make a decision on what is best for you rather than anyone else. This guide will help you to do exactly that.

There Are Different Types Of Contraceptive Pills

The most popular contraceptive pills are usually classed as either ‘combined’ or ‘mini’.

1. Combined Pill

The combined pill is the most common. It contains a combination of synthetic progesterone and oestrogen - two hormones that are produced by your ovaries. Combined pills work in different ways. Some prevent the sperm from reaching the egg while others keep the lining of your uterus thick so that the egg can’t implant itself and grow.

In the UK, the most commonly prescribed combination pills are Cilest, Yasmin, and Microgynon. You can buy Microgynon online from Express Pharmacy, as well as the Cilest and Yasmin pill.

2. Mini Pill

The mini pill doesn’t contain any oestrogen. It is only made up of progesterone. Women who are breastfeeding, smoking, or suffering from high blood pressure are usually given mini pills. These contraceptive pills are just as effective as combined pills.

How To Choose The Best Contraceptive Pill

You need to consider several factors when choosing the best contraceptive pill for your needs. Because it is mostly a matter of preference, choosing the right pill may involve some trial and error until you find the one that works best for you. Here are some questions to consider:

Do I want extra benefits from my pill?

Aside from stopping pregnancy, some pills can also help lessen heavy periods and acne outbreaks.

Do I have the discipline to stick to a regular schedule?

Contraceptive packs follow a routine which must be followed every day.

Am I ok with the side effects?

Because contraceptive pills are formulated differently, some brands may cause some severe side effects.

Comparing The Best Contraceptive Pills

Looking to compare contraceptive pills? The below table will help. It takes a look at the three most common pills (Yasmin, Microgynon and Cilest).

Remember that while contraceptive pills can protect you from unwanted pregnancy, they can’t protect you from sexually transmitted diseases. If you have multiple sex partners, it’s best to use the pills alongside other contraceptive methods (i.e. condoms, etc.).

Alternative Contraceptive Methods

Aside from condoms, there are several contraceptive methods that you can use to reduce your chances of getting pregnant and contracting sexually transmitted illnesses. If a pill isn’t right for you, Express Pharmacy stocks EVRA patches which are applied directly on the skin instead.

EVRA patches contain two hormones, norelgestromin and ethinylestradiol, wrapped in a foil-lined sachet. Sometimes referred to as a combined hormonal contraceptive, these patches are immediately effective once you use them, provided they are stuck onto the body on the first day your period begins and you follow the right routine.

How To Use EVRA Patches

The EVRA patch should be applied directly on a clean, dry, and hairless area of the skin. This allows your body to efficiently absorb the medication. Apply the patch on areas where it will not be rubbed by clothing (buttocks, abdomen, upper torso, outer arm, etc.)

Apply one patch, once a week for three weeks. The first patch is applied on the first day of your cycle. Further applications should be on the 8th and 15th day of your cycle. Remove the third patch on day 22. Like pills, you also undergo a 7-day break when removing the patch on day 22.

These hormone patches are perfect for women who tend to forget to take their pill on a regular schedule or who have difficulty swallowing pills.

Migraines are a common health condition usually characterised as a severe headache. They are more prevalent among women (1 in 5 women experience migraines) than men (1 in 15 men suffer from migraines).

So, what causes migraines? In this blog post, we will outline some of the most common causes of migraines as well as provide you with a way to treat them.

The Different Types Of Migraine

Migraines can be classified into at least three major types:

• Migraine with aura - a type of migraine where you usually see flashing lights before it begins.
• Migraine without aura - this type of migraine comes without any warnings. This is the most common type.
• Silent migraine - this kind of migraine has the typical symptoms of a migraine minus the headache.

Migraines come and go. Some people experience them several times a week while others pass months or years before another episode.

How Do I Know It’s A Migraine?

Most migraine symptoms appear one to two days before it develops fully. This phase is known as the prodrome stage. Some symptoms of a migraine during this period include:

• Low mood
• Neck stiffness
• Hyperactivity
• Food cravings
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• If you have a migraine with aura, the flashing lights occur after the prodrome stage. During the aura, you may experience other symptoms such as:
• Vision problems
• Difficulty speaking clearly
• A tingling or prickling feeling in your legs, arms, or face

After these “warning” stages, the migraine may come in full force. It is during this period where you experience the actual migraine pain (headache) that you are so familiar with. You will know it’s a migraine if you experience a headache that is:

• Throbbing
• Debilitating
• Pounding
• Pulsating
• Perforating

Migraines can also feel like a dull, steady headache. For others, it starts out mild and becomes more severe over time especially if no migraine relief treatment is taken.

What Causes Migraines?

The real cause of migraines is still a mystery for doctors. Some studies show that it’s caused by a chemical called serotonin. This chemical is responsible for shrinking (high level of serotonin) or swelling (low levels of serotonin) the blood vessels. The swelling of blood vessels in the brain can cause pain and other problems.

With that said, age, environment, sex, family history, diet, stress, and lifestyle may all contribute in one way or another to a migraine.

What Food Can Cause Migraines?

Certain foods and beverages may cause migraines. Below is an exhaustive list:

• aged, canned, cured, or processed meat (including bologna, game, ham, herring, hot dogs, pepperoni, and sausage)
• aged cheese
• alcoholic beverages (especially red wine)
• aspartame
• avocados
• beans (including pole, broad, lima, Italian, navy, pinto, and garbanzo)
• brewer’s yeast (including fresh yeast coffee cake, doughnuts, and sourdough bread)
• caffeine (in excess)
• canned soup or bouillon cubes
• chocolate, cocoa, and carob
• cultured dairy products (such as buttermilk and sour cream)
• figs
• lentils
• meat tenderizer
• monosodium glutamate (MSG)
• nuts and peanut butter
• onions (except small amounts for flavouring)
• papaya
• passion fruit
• pea pods
• pickled, preserved or marinated foods (such as olives and pickles, and some snack foods)
• raisins
• red plums
• sauerkraut
• seasoned salt
• snow peas
• soy sauce

Migraine Relief

While there’s no current cure for migraines, there are treatments which help to relieve the symptoms. Some of the common migraine relief treatments available include:

Sumatriptan

This type of medication contains an active ingredient called Sumatriptan succinate. It actively works by relieving the temporary swelling of blood vessels in the brain, relieving the pressure and thus, the migraine pain you feel. You can buy Sumatriptan from Express Pharmacy and get it delivered to your doorstep in plenty of time before your next symptoms occur.

Imigran Nasal Spray

Imigran is one of the most common branded migraine treatments. Imigran Nasal Spray also contains Sumatriptan succinate as its active ingredient. This treatment provides fast-acting relief against migraines.

Compared to its tablet-counterpart, Imigran Nasal Spray offers a more pleasant form of application. It also reduces the risk of rebound headaches which is common among patients who rely on migraine relief tablets for a long time.

Do you experience heartburn - a burning pain in your lower chest area? If you do, then there’s a big chance that you are suffering from acid reflux.

What causes acid reflux? There are several reasons why acid reflux come all of a sudden. Within this guide, we will discuss these causes in detail to help you relieve pain and get back on track.

What’s In The Entrance Of Your Stomach?

There is a valve at the entrance of your stomach called the lower oesophagal sphincter (LES). The LES is a ring of muscle that shuts as soon as the food passes through it. However, there are times that the LES doesn’t close right away or completely. This causes some of your stomach acid to move up into your oesophagus, causing heartburn. Sometimes, the acid can even reach the back of your throat, leaving a bitter taste in your mouth.

Heartburn is normal and can happen every now and then. However, if you experience heartburn more than twice a week, then you may be suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), commonly known as acid reflux.

What Causes Acid Reflux All Of A Sudden?

Acid reflux is triggered by several factors. Here are some of the common causes of acid reflux:

1. Food

Laying down after a meal or eating too much can trigger acid reflux. It can also be caused by foods and beverages like:

• Carbonated beverages
• Lemons, oranges, and other citrus fruits
• Chocolate
• Fried or fatty foods
• Onion
• Garlic
• Spicy foods
• Tea
• Coffee
• Food with tomato (i.e. pizza, salsa, lasagna, spaghetti sauce, etc.)
• Alcohol

2. Smoking

Studies show that smoking may also contribute to acid reflux. Smoking damages mucus membranes in the throat, increasing acid secretion and impairing the production of saliva which helps neutralize acidity in the mouth and oesophagus. Smoking can also reduce LES function.

3. Hiatal Hernia

A hiatal hernia is one of the most common causes of acid reflux disease.

A hiatal hernia is a form of stomach abnormality where the top part of the stomach moves above the diaphragm. Aside from helping you breathe, the diaphragm also acts as a barrier between your stomach and your chest. It helps keep the acid in your stomach. However, if you have hiatal hernia, the diaphragm will have a hard time containing the acid.

4. Pregnancy

Several women who have not yet experienced GERD before suddenly experience acid reflux during pregnancy. But why? According to doctors, this is caused by the pressure from the growing fetus and increasing hormone levels. Usually, the symptoms are at its worst during the third trimester. Pregnancy-related acid reflux usually goes away after giving birth.

5. Other Factors

Aside from the reasons above, being overweight, snacking close to bedtime, and taking certain medicines like aspirin, ibuprofen, blood pressure treatments, and muscle relaxers can also trigger acid reflux.

The weather can affect acid reflux, too. Acid reflux symptoms worsen in winter because we tend to be less physically active. The cuddle weather also straps us to the sofa - making acid reflux more likely to occur, especially if you have just eaten your favourite comfort food.

Can Acid Reflux Be Caused By Stress?

Is acid reflux connected to stress or anxiety? GERD and anxiety may look completely unrelated to each other but studies suggest that there may be a link between the two.

A 2015 study found that the negative effect of acid reflux symptoms in your life increases with anxiety and stress. Experts believe that stress makes you more sensitive to chest pain and other symptoms of acid reflux disease.

How Do You Stop Acid Reflux?

The most common acid reflux treatment is Omeprazole. Omeprazole relieves the symptoms of acid reflux by reducing the amount of acid produced by your stomach. This widely used GERD treatment comes in capsules, tablets, or made to order liquids.

Omeprazole is usually taken once a day, first thing in the morning. You can take it without food because it doesn’t upset your stomach. Your doctor or pharmacist can give you more information about the dosage that’s right for you. You can also buy Omeprazole right here at Express Pharmacy.

These simple lifestyle changes can also help prevent acid reflux:

• Avoid eating large meals. Instead, eat small, frequent meals.
• If possible, avoid certain foods, beverages, and medications that could trigger acid reflux.
• When sleeping, make sure that your chest and head is above the level of your waist. This will prevent your stomach acid from moving up when you sleep. You can do this by raising one end of your bed with a pillow.