Thackers Pharmacy

Whether you are aiming to quit smoking for the first time or you are thinking of having another go at quitting, the road to enjoying a smoke-free future is not an easy one.   Thankfully, Thacker’s Pharmacy offers a series of tried and tested support services to help you reach your goal.   People who make use of services like these have been proven to be four times more likely to successfully quit smoking, than those who attempt to quit alone.

If you are interested in finding more about the services we offer you may be interested to know that, as part of National No-Smoking Day 2012 on Wednesday 14thMarch, we will be running a No Smoking Awareness Day at our pharmacy.  At this event, participants will be able to receive a variety of health checks along with receiving professional advice on the current options available to help successfully quit. In addition, every participant will receive a FREE Quit Kit, along with receiving 20% off ALL stop-smoking medicines.

Whether you are thinking of taking your first step towards quitting or you are looking for a helping hand to get you through, come along on the 14th March - everyone is welcome!

Inhaler Technique

Many of us use inhalers, but don't know how to use them properly. Correct inhaler techniques are really important if we want to control our asthma symptoms. In this issue, we will look at different types of inhalers and a step-by-step technique on how to use them to gain full benefit.
There are mainly two types of inhalers, Metered Dose Inhalers (MDI) and Breath Actuated (BA).

Metered Dose Inhaler-MDI
1) Shake the inhaler to activate the drug inside.
2) Breathe out to get rid of any dead air from the lungs. This will make more space in the lungs for the drug.
3) Slightly elevate the head to let as much drug into the lungs as possible.
4) Press down on the inhaler and breathe in at the same time. Breathing must be slow and deep.
5) Hold your breath for approximately 10 seconds.



Some people may be using an aerochamber if they find it difficult to co-ordinate the pressing and breathing. An aerochamber is attached at the end of the inhaler and allows you to breathe in and out, rather than just breathing in. An aerochamber must be washed regularly with warm water and left to air dry, however must be replaced every 6-12 months.



Breath Actuated (BA)
This includes accuhalers, easi-breathe inhalers, turbohalers and autohalers.
1) Firstly, breathe out to get rid of dead air from the lungs.
2) Slightly elevate the head to let as much drug into the lungs as possible.
3) Actuate a dose (by turning, lifting or clicking depending on the inhaler).
4) Breathe in hard and quickly, but breathe in as deep as possible.

5) Hold your breath for approximately 10 seconds.




Hospital Discharge

Remember to tell us if you've been discharged from hospital with new medicines. This will allow us to stay up-to-date with your treatment and offer you and advice regarding your medicine or condition. Also, some people may be entitled to our free New Medicine Service if they have been started on certain new drugs.

What is the New Medicine Service (NMS)?

The NMS is a free NHS service provided at Thacker’s pharmacy. It is available to people starting on new medicines for asthma, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and also medicines to control blood clotting and other lung conditions.

How does it work?

1) Your consent-You sign a consent form to agree to the consultation with the pharmacist.

2) The consultation-Approximately 1-2 weeks after starting your new medicine, you choose to either phone or come into the pharmacy to have the consultation with your pharmacist. The pharmacist will ask how you’re getting on with your medicine as well provide you with any useful information regarding it. You may also ask any questions that may be bothering you.

3) The follow up-2-3 weeks after your previous consultation you will need a final consultation to make sure things are going well with you and your medication.

How will the NMS help you?

•  It will allow you to know how your medicine works on your condition and how to use it properly
• It may increase the effectiveness of your medicine, if possible as you will be using it correctly
• It will help to solve any problems you may be experiencing with your new medicine

Please let the pharmacy know if you have started a new medication even if it was started in hospital