ASK THE PHARMACIST

Q WHAT can I do if I run out of a prescription while I’m abroad?

A YOUR first port of call should be the local pharmacy at your holiday destination.

Make sure you take the tablet packaging so the pharmacist can see exactly what drug you are on, the dosage and how it’s administered.

If you don’t have the packaging with you, contact your GP or pharmacist in the UK to get the information.

The pharmacist where you are may be able to give you an emergency supply, but if that’s not possible, they will probably send you to the local health clinic.

Always plan ahead when you are going abroad to try to

ensure you have enough medication with you.

Q SHOULD I take painkillers on a full or empty stomach?

A IT DEPENDS on the painkiller. Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — such as ibuprofen — work by reducing the production of the hormone prostaglandin, which causes pain and inflammation as part of the healing process. NSAIDs need to be taken with food because prostaglandins also protect the stomach lining — reducing their production therefore leaves the stomach lining vulnerable, while the drugs themselves can also directly irritate the lining.

However, paracetamol is safe to use before, with or after food, while pain-relieving gels and creams can be used at any time because they are applied to the skin.