Flexiseq – Safely relieves pain and improves joint Mobility

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a condition that affects the joints, causing pain and stiffness.  It is the most common type of arthritis, which usually develops gradually over time. [1, 2]

Around 1 in 5 women and almost 1 in 10 men over 60 years of age have osteoarthritis across the world. [2] The incidence is increasing due to ageing population, obesity and subsequent strain on joints. [3] In the United Kingdom 8.75 million people have sought treatment for arthritis. [4]

Osteoarthritis can affect any joint. It is most commonly seen in the weight-bearing joints of the knees, hips and spine, but it can also affect the fingers, shoulders, neck and toes. [5, 6]

What are the characteristics of osteoarthritis? [7, 8, 9]

• Loss of naturally-occurring joint lubricants (e.g. Phospholipids) from the surrounding synovial fluid.
• Damage to Cartilage – the strong, smooth surface that lines the bones and helps joints to move easily without friction.
• Bony growths that develop around the edge of the joints.
• Inflammation of the tissues in and around the joints with accompanying pain.
• Reduction in joint flexibility and mobility.
• Narrowing of the joint space
• For further information on arthritis, visit arthritisresearchuk.org

 

What is Flexiseq?

Flexiseq is a gel with unique Sequessome Technology which is clinically proven to relieve pain and improve joint flexibility in as little as 2 days.

How does Flexiseq work? 

Flexiseq is a drug-free gel that relieves pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis. The gel contains tiny spheres called Sequessome vesticles. As the gel dries on the skin, these spheres change their shape and pass through the skin, then on into the joint to provide pain relief.

 

 

Flexiseq benefits 

• Helps ease the pain and stiffness in your joints.
• Suitable for all osteoarthritis*
• A safe drug-free gel that avoids the heart and stomach risks common to most to osteoarthritis and drug treatments
• Can be used safely with medicines for osteoarthritis and/or other medical conditions

*Patients with a known intolerance to any of the ingredients should use Flexiseq with caution.

 

Instructions for Use

Step 1: Ensuring you have the right dose

The first time you use Flexiseq, estimate the amount of gel you need to squeeze out of the tube as follows:

1. For a knee, shoulder of hip, a line as long as your index finger.
2. For an ankle. Wrist of fingers on one hand, a line as long as half of your index finger.

It is important that you personalise the dose for the particular joint you are treating. You must allow the Flexiseq gel to dry for at least 10 minutes, or until the skin is touch dry before covering the area.

If the gel is taking longer than 10 minutes to dry, you have probably applied too much. The excess can be wiped off and you should try using a little less next time

If the gel is taking less than 10 minutes, you should apply a little more next time.

Step 2: Reducing the application time

Having completed Step 1 and ensured you have worked out the right amount to apply for your particular joints, you can reduce the time it takes for Flexiseq to dry by:

• Warming the skin before applying the gel.
• Using a hairdryer on a medium setting after applying the gel which should reduce the drying time to about 2 minutes.

Flexiseq – as effective as an arthritis prescription tablet

In a clinical trial on 1,395 adults with osteoarthritis of the knee, use of Flexiseq resulted in clinically relevant reductions in joint pain and stiffness and improvement in physical function that were equivalent to the effects of the anti-inflammatory drug . [10]

Flexiseq – Good Safety Profile

Studies involving over 1,675 patients treated for up to 52 weeks show that Flexiseq is both safe* and well tolerated.

*In clinical trials there were no health issues associated with long-term use of Flexiseq. Sequessome constituents that lubricate the joints are designated as GRAS (Generally Recognised As Safe) by the US FDA.

Flexiseq received the Innovation Award 2013  from the Federal Assosiation of German Pharmacists (BVDA) for its Breakthrough approach to the treatment of osteoarthritis through the science of sequessome technology.

What do people say about Flexiseq?

“Flexiseq has improved my quality of life greatly. Not only am I pain free, I can now dress myself without help”

MARGARET P, 60

“After just a week’s use, Flexiseq has relieved pain without the discomfort other medications have caused”

MICHAEL G, 61

Results confirmed in an independent Patient Survey

[egg id=”3″]A survey of 177 osteoarthritis patients (average age 65) assessed the effect of Fleqiseq on their daily routine and captured “real-life” experiences with the product. Many patients had other medical conditions as well as OA in multiple joints (hand, knee, shoulder and hip).

• Pain relief: 97% of patients reported that Flexiseq was equal to or better than other products with respect to its effect on pain.
• Improved joint mobility: 99% reported that Flexiseq was equal to or better than other OA products.

 

 

CLICK HERE TO BUY FLEXISEQ NOW

 

REFERENCES

1. NICE clinical guideline 50. http://www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/live/11926/39557/39557.pdf
2. WHO (2010a), Chronic Rheumatic Conditions, Fact Sheet, who.int/chp/topics/rheumatic/en/ , WHO, Geneva
3. Health at a Glance: Europe 2010, OECD Publishing http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/health_glance-2010.en
4. Osteoarthritis in General Practice: Data and Perspectives. Arthritis Research UK.
5. http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guide/osteoarthritis-basics
6. http://www.patient.co.uk/health/Osteoarthritis
7. Pawlak Z et al. Tribology international, 2010;43(9):1719-1725.
8. Gerwin N et al. Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews 2006;58:226-242
9. Loeser RF et al. Arthritis & Rheumatism 2012;64(6):1697-1707.
10. Conaghan P et al. Rheumatology 2013 Jul;52(7):1303-12.

Research shows that it takes 14 minutes for a chewed soluble tablet to produce maximal platelet inhibition, and a swallowed tablet 26 minutes. Demonstrating that, when chewed, soluble aspirin is the most effective way of accelerating absorption of aspirin into the blood and shortening the time required for an anti-platelet effect, the anti-platelet effect stops an existing clot from worsening. However, there are several issues connected with carrying soluble aspirin in pockets, bags or wallets:

• During a suspected heart attack the patient may be unable to locate the aspirin.
• If located, the patient may be unable to open the aspirin foil.
• If the patient was unable to administer the aspirin themselves, it would not be apparent to a ‘first aider’, that aspirin was being carried and should be taken as a matter of urgency.
• Aspirin is extremely susceptible to dampness; this will cause it to lose its stability, become less effective, and may smell of vinegar.
• Aspirin, is particularly prone to break into smaller particles (friability), and is likely to be powdered when needed and therefore difficult to take.

The ASPOD design team and engineers eliminated these problems during the two year design and development stage. The ASPOD will ensure that, when needed, an emergency dose of 300mg aspirin is easily accessible and in a stable condition.

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A single capsule Fluconazole 150mg is a complete treatment of vaginal thrush in women or penile thrush in men whose partners have thrush. This product is not suitable for oral thrush.

Fluconazole Oral Capsule is recommended for the treatment of candidal vaginitis, acute or recurrent. It should also be used for the treatment of partners with associated candidal balanitis. Fluconazole works by killing the fungi which cause infection.

At Pharmacy First, we always try to offer you the best possible prices for generic medicines, such as Fluconazole, and constantly monitor our price to ensure a cheap price.

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What is Thrush?

Fungus in the vagina is almost always caused by a change in the vagina’s acid balance, which leads to an increase in fungus growth. Fungus is often seen after taking antibiotics.
There is not always an obvious reason why a woman has a thrush infection. Many women recognise the symptoms themselves and obtain treatment from the chemist. If you’re uncertain, you should see your doctor.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms are itching in the crotch area and vagina, but increased discharge is not necessarily present.

Your risk of developing fungal infections increases if you:

​​Have diabetes
​​Are pregnant
​​Have a defective immune system

How many do I need to take?

Take by mouth with a drink of water any time of day, with or without food. You should notice an improvement in a day or two and be clear within a week.
Please consult your doctor if you have had more than two infections of thrush in the last six months.

Does Fluconazole Work?

Yes, Fluconazole 150mg Capsules are highly effective at treating thrush.

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The Quinoderm range consists of three different products. Quinoderm 10 Cream, Quinoderm 5 Cream and Quinoderm Face Wash. All three products are used to treat acne. The active ingredients include Benzoyl Peroxide and Potassium Hydroxyquinoline Sulphate.

The numbers in the names of the Quinoderm 5 and 10 creams tells you the strength of the the cream.

Because Quinoderm creams are the only dual action Benzoyl Peroxide combination products available from your pharmacist without a prescription we believe that, compared to other acne treatments, Quinoderm is very likely to help acne sufferers more than normal un-medicated face washes.

So Does Quinoderm Work?

In short, yes. However everyone’s skin is different. What works for some people may not for others. However, due to the active ingredients contained within Quinoderm products they have a very high chance of success.

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Hairgen is the new drug free hair loss range comprising Hairgen Foam, Hairgen Spray and Hairgen Shampoo.

But does Hairgen Work?

As Hairgen is still a new product it is hard to say definitively whether results will be brilliant for everyone, however early signs look good.

Recent publicity in the Daily Mail Showed the results shown by a number of customers and they seemed to be pretty good. You can see the full article here. We think that Hairgen has a very good chance of success judging by these encouraging early results and will be monitoring it’s success in the coming months.

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What You Need To Know:

• Between 1991-2010, every year on average, almost 1900 people returned to the UK with malaria.
• In 2010 over 70% of malaria cases in UK travellers were caused by the potentially fatal Plasmodium falciparum.
• Essential travel health advice can be accessed right up to the time of travel – it is never too late to seek advice.
• When planning your trip, make an appointment with your GP surgery, travel clinic or pharmacy six to eight weeks before travelling.
• Malaria is avoidable, but it can be fatal if left untreated. It only takes one bit from an infected mosquito to contract malaria.
• There are a number of antimalarials available, including Malarone, Paludrine and Avloclor. Speak to a GP or pharmacist about what is best for you.
• You may not know immediately that you have contracted malaria as the symptoms can take weeks or months to appear.
• Symptoms of malaria are similar to flu symptoms and include: a high temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or above, sweats and chills, generally feeling unwell, muscle pains, headaches, cough and diarrhoea.

Tips For Travelling in a Malaria Hotspot

Before you travel:

• Make an appointment with your GP, travel clinic or pharmacy to discuss malaria protection for your trip. You should really aim to do this 6-8 weeks before you plan on travelling/
• Make sure you itinerary is clear because you may only need antimalarials for part of your trip.
• Different antimalarials are recommended for different parts of the world due to drug resistance. Your GP or pharmacist can advise you on which is the most suitable for your trip and also for you individually.

During your trip:

• Purchase and use any medication that has been recommended for your trip. Also purchase mosquito nets and insect repellents. You should use insect repellents with 10-50% DEET applied to the skin over your sunblock. You can also spray it on your clothes to offer extra protection.
• Cover up your arms and legs and limit the amount of time that you spend outside at times when mosquitoes are most active, like between dusk and dawn. Sleeping under a mosquito net impregnated with permethrin can help provide you with protection.

After your trip:

• Make sure that you complete your course of antimalarials to receive full protection. Keep taking them once you return for the full length of time that they were prescribed for.
• Initial symptoms of malaria can be mild and difficult to recognise. It is often mistaken for flu. If you start to develop any flu-like symptoms after you return home then seek medical advice immediately and inform them that you have recently returned from a malaria-risk zone.

What is Benadryl Allergy Relief?

Benadryl Allergy Relief is a medicine which is used to relieve the symptoms of hay fever and other allergic conditions such as pet or dust allergies. The capsules contain acrivastine which is an antihistamine that helps relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes.

It can also be used to treat the symptoms of urticaria, also known as hives, where the skin looks blotchy with white raised wheals (bumps) surrounded by redness.

Benadryl Allergy Relief capsules are available in 12 Capsule packs and 24 capsule packs.

Who can use Benadryl Allergy Relief?

This medicine is for use in adults under 65 years old and children aged 12 years and over.

This medicine is suitable for most adults under 65 years old and children aged 12 years and over but a few people should not use it. If you are in any doubt, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Benadryl Allergy Relief can have side-effects, like all medicines, although these are rare and are usually mild.

What is in Benadryl Allergy Relief?

The active ingredient in Benadryl Allergy Relief is 8mg Acrivastine in each capsule. Other ingredients include Lactose, sodium starch glycollate, magnesium stearate, gelatin, colouring (El 71) and purified water.

Does Benadryl Work?

Benadryl has a long history of being a trusted hayfever and allergy medicine with a proven track record. Acrivastine is not currently available as a generic capsule over-the-counter which means that it must be purchased as the branded product, Benadryl.

According to a 2010 study at the University of Newcastle, 50% of the adult British population are deficient in Vitamin D and 16% of us suffer from a severe deficiency in the winter months. The research identified that the problem was far more prevalent in the North of the UK especially amongst people of Asian and African descent due to the darker pigmentation of the skin reducing absorption of sunlight.

The other contributing factors include staying indoors all the working day, consistent use of sunscreen rather than allowing 20-30mins of allowed exposure and children playing computer games indoors instead of playing outside.

The over use of sunscreen is becoming a real problem with more fair skinned individuals, who need to protect themselves from the sun as they are more at risk from burning. The suggested solution for more fair skinned people is the use of supplements, such as Vitabiotics Ultra D3. It has also been suggested that fair skinned people have difficulty synthesising Vitamin D from sunlight .

Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption in the gut and is also key in bone growth and remodelling. A deficiency in Vitamin D can lead to bones becoming thin, brittle or misshapen. These lead to conditions such as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Vitamin D is also required for both cell growth and immune function. Although a main source is sunlight on the skin, there are also a number of foods that are rich in Vitamin D such as liver, egg yolk and oily fish e.g. salmon, tuna and mackerel. As mentioned previously, there are also a number of supplements available from your pharmacy, both over the counter and via prescription. Many of these supplements also contain calcium to combat the lack of calcium absorption that is a result of Vitamin D deficiency.

The easiest way to find out if you’re suffering with insufficient Vitamin D levels is to visit your GP and ask for a Vitamin D test. If you are suffering with or want to avoid Vitamin D deficiency this winter consider the above changes to diet and lifestyle or the use of a vitamin supplement such as Adcal D3.

Winter is almost upon us and as usual the cooler weather signals the start of the cold and flu season. Both the common cold and th flu are viral infections and cannot be treated with antibiotics. The symptoms for both can usually be managed by a fit and healthy indivdual with a combination of rest and non-alcoholic fluid intake. Thankfully there is also a wide range of products available to buy to treat the symptoms of both colds and the flu to make your cold and flu season a little more bearable.

 

• Standard Paracetamol 500mg tablets and Ibuprofen 400mg tablets both offer effective pain relief and the Paracetamol also helps to lower high temperatures.
• For congestion there are a wide range of products available. Sudafed 60mg tablets are a good starting point to relieve your congestion woes. Sudafed also provide a range of combination medicines such as Sudafed blocked nose and headache capsules. Many of these combination items do contain paracetamol so care should be taken not to take additional paracetamol products.
• All that excess mucus unfortuneately leads in many cases to a chesty cough. Benylin do a wide range of cough remedies. Benylin Mucus Cough comes in both a drowsy and non-drowsy formulation. The night time version does contain an added decongestant so an additional one is not required.
• Last but not least the sore throat. Beechams Max Strength Sore Throat Relief contain an anti-bacterial and an anaesthetic.

 

This list only covers a small minority of the cold and flu products on offer this season. For a wider range visit the cold and flu section on our website.

Heartburn can occur when excess stomach acid comes into contact with the delicate lining of the oesophagus. Common symptoms of heartburn area burning sensation in the back of the throat and chest area, and a bitter taste at the back of the mouth. Indigestion symptoms include discomfort or pain in the upper part of the stomach, possible sickness/nausea and an uncomfortable bloated feeling.

Heartburn can be caused by acid escaping from the stomach when overeating. Alcohol and smoking, pressure on the stomach valve, coffee and tea and rich or fatty foods can cause excess acid to escape through the valve at the top of the stomach and rise into the oesophagus.

Simple antacids can be a good first line treatment. They tend to provide fast relief but are short acting. H2 antagonists such as Zantac 75 tablets contain ranitidine for the prevention and relief of heartburn and indigestion providing quick and long lasting relief for up to 12 hours. It provides an effective choice for fast-acting relief that can last all day or all night, and it can also be taken before a meal which is expected to cause symptoms, to prevent heartburn and indigestion associated with consumption of food and drink.