New NI-built pharmacy app can save NHS £1.7bn, claim founders
Neil Sharpe and Stephen Toland have launched ConsultTed following a six-figure investment and said it gives community pharmacies the ability to manage minor illnesses like sore throats, coughs and stomach bugs "directly and safely'.
The app encourages patients to use pharmacies as a first port of call, therefore easing pressures on GPs and hospitals.
It's already used in some pharmacies here, with a full roll-out planned across the island of Ireland by August.
The co-founders said the platform could boost the UK economy by £350m a year by cutting workplace absences and providing pharmacies with up to £30,000 in annual added income but without increasing their workload.
Mr Toland said: 'Community pharmacies have untapped potential to ease pressure on our healthcare system.
'With ConsultTed, we're giving them the digital tools to deliver safe, same-day treatment for minor illnesses without the need to see a GP.'
The pair said that over 30 million GP and hospital appointments in the UK last year 'could have been handled by pharmacies without a prescription'.
ConsulTed is in beta testing and launching pilot sites across the Republic in the coming weeks, while it's been showcased in London, Dublin and New York.
The co-founders are part of the AMP Growth Incubator at Derry's Ebrington complex, and have secured a place on Invest NI's Founder Labs Programme.
Mr Sharpe, who works in a pharmacist in Donaghcloney in Co Down, said: 'Our goal is to make ConsultTed the go-to minor illness platform across the UK and Ireland.
'We're actively seeking partnerships with healthcare providers, policymakers and pharmacy groups to help make pharmacy-first care the new normal.'
Mr Toland, a pharmacist in Derry, was named Pharmacist of the Year at the Pharmacy in Focus NI Awards in March.
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Medical News Today
3 days ago
- Medical News Today
Byetta interactions: Supplements, alcohol, and more
Byetta has possible interactions with alcohol, some other drugs, and certain supplements. Examples include birth control pills and insulin medications. Talk with your doctor to avoid potentially harmful effects from Byetta interactions. An interaction occurs when one substance causes another substance to have a different effect than expected. By learning about possible Byetta interactions, you can work with your doctor to ensure that Byetta is safe and effective for you. » Learn more about Byetta, including details about its uses. Before you start treatment with Byetta, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any prescription, over-the-counter, and other medications you take. By sharing this information with them, you may help prevent possible interactions. To learn whether Byetta interacts with supplements, herbs, or vitamins, see the 'Byetta and other interactions' section. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Here's a table of drugs that can interact with Byetta. Keep in mind that this table doesn't include all drugs that may interact with Byetta. Some of these interactions are described in detail in 'Drug interactions in depth.' In some cases, factors or conditions could prevent your doctor from prescribing Byetta due to the risk of harm. These are known as contraindications. Here are the contraindications of Byetta. Note: Before you start treatment with Byetta, it's important to tell your doctor if these contraindications apply to you. They can determine whether to prescribe Byetta. Byetta and other drugs that contain exenatide can cause DITP. This side effect can be life threatening in rare cases. Due to this risk, doctors typically won't prescribe Byetta if you've had this reaction after using exenatide in the past. Instead, they'll likely prescribe a treatment other than Byetta for your condition. If you've had an allergic reaction to Byetta or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Byetta. Using the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better choices for you. Drinking alcohol can cause your blood sugar level to drop. Consuming alcohol while using Byetta may raise your risk of low blood sugar levels. As a result, your doctor may suggest limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding excessive drinking while you're using Byetta. If you have questions about drinking alcohol during Byetta treatment, talk with your doctor. Here's a closer look at certain drug interactions of Byetta. Byetta interacts with birth control pills. In addition to preventing pregnancy, these medications have some other uses, such as treating premenstrual syndrome (PMS) episodes and managing acne. Byetta can affect how well your body absorbs any medication taken by mouth, including birth control pills. Injecting Byetta and taking a birth control pill at the same time may prevent your body from absorbing the birth control pill correctly. This can make the birth control pill less effective. Here are some birth control pills that may interact with Byetta: ethinyl estradiol/desogestrel (Cyclessa, others) ethinyl estradiol/drospirenone (Yaz, others) ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel (Ashlyna, others) ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone (Activella, others) ethinyl estradiol/norgestrel (Cryselle, others) Although Byetta and birth control pills interact, the effects of this interaction can be lowered by taking your pill at least one hour before injecting Byetta. Byetta can interact with insulin medications, which are prescribed for managing blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Both Byetta and insulin work to lower blood sugar levels. Using them together can help keep blood sugar levels within your goal. However, they also raise the risk of low blood sugar as a side effect. Here are some insulin medications that may interact with Byetta: Although Byetta and insulins interact, they're still sometimes prescribed together. But your doctor may prescribe a lower insulin dosage if you also use Byetta. Talk with your doctor if you experience symptoms of low blood sugar, such as tremors, sweating, or dizziness. They may want to decrease your insulin dosage if you have this side effect during Byetta treatment Byetta interacts with sulfonylureas, which are medications used to manage high blood sugar caused by type 2 diabetes. Sulfonylureas and Byetta both work by lowering blood sugar levels. Using them together can be helpful when blood sugar remains high despite treatment with either drug on its own. But combining them also raises the risk of low blood sugar as a side effect. Here are some sulfonylurea medications that may interact with Byetta: glipizide (Glucotrol XL) glimepiride (Amaryl) glyburide (DiaBeta) Despite the interaction, Byetta and sulfonylureas are still sometimes prescribed together. In this case, your doctor will likely prescribe a lower dosage of the sulfonylurea if they recommend taking it with Byetta. Immediately let your doctor know if you're having symptoms of low blood sugar, such as dizziness, hunger, and irregular heartbeat. They may want to further lower your sulfonylurea dosage. Byetta may have other interactions, such as with supplements, foods, vaccines, or lab tests. Here are some potential interactions with Byetta. Keep in mind that the following information does not include all possible Byetta interactions. Before you start treatment with Byetta, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any supplements, herbs, and vitamins you take. By sharing this information with them, you may help prevent possible interactions. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Byetta interacts with garlic supplements, which may be used for several purposes, such as helping manage blood sugar. Both Byetta and garlic supplements can lower blood sugar levels. So using them together may raise your risk of low blood sugar. Byetta also interacts with green tea supplements, which are used for a range of potential health benefits, including lowering blood sugar and decreasing inflammation in the gut. Since green tea supplements may lower blood sugar levels, using Byetta and a green tea supplement at the same time may raise your risk of low blood sugar levels. For this reason, check with your doctor or pharmacist before using a garlic or green tea supplement if you're prescribed Byetta. They can advise whether this is safe for you. They may recommend that you closely monitor your blood sugar level at home if you use either supplement with Byetta. There are no specific reports of vitamins interacting with Byetta. However, that doesn't mean vitamin interactions won't occur or be recognized in the future. Because of this, you should talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any vitamin product with Byetta. Byetta may interact with green tea. Consuming green tea, especially in large amounts, may lower blood sugar. Since Byetta works to lower blood sugar, you may have a higher risk of low blood sugar levels if you consume a lot of green tea while using Byetta. Your doctor can adjust your Byetta dosage according to how much green tea you consume, but they'll likely ask you to keep your green tea consumption consistent. This can help your doctor determine the best Byetta dosage that keeps your blood sugar from staying too high or too low. Garlic supplements may interact with Byetta. But there's no expected interaction with garlic used in food. The amount of garlic in food is usually small. The food is also often divided into multiple servings. The amount of garlic would be much less than in a garlic supplement. If you have additional questions or want more information about eating certain foods during Byetta treatment, talk with your doctor. There aren't any known interactions between Byetta and vaccines. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to check whether you're due for any vaccines. Byetta isn't known to interact with lab tests. If you have concerns about this medication interacting with lab tests, talk with your doctor. BYETTA INTERACTION WITH CANNABIS OR CBD Cannabis (often called marijuana) and cannabis products, such as cannabidiol (CBD), have not been specifically reported to interact with Byetta. However, as with any drug or supplement, talk with your doctor before using cannabis in combination with Byetta. The impact of cannabis may affect how well you stick to your Byetta treatment plan. Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees. Certain medical conditions and other factors may increase the risk of interactions with Byetta. Before you take this drug, be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history. Byetta may not be the right treatment option if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Health conditions or factors that might interact with Byetta include: Current or past pancreas condition: Byetta side effects include pancreatitis (inflammation in the pancreas). If you have or have had a pancreas condition such as pancreatitis, you may have an increased risk of this side effect. Talk with your doctor to learn more about whether Byetta treatment is safe for you. Byetta side effects include pancreatitis (inflammation in the pancreas). If you have or have had a pancreas condition such as pancreatitis, you may have an increased risk of this side effect. Talk with your doctor to learn more about whether Byetta treatment is safe for you. Digestive system problems, especially delayed stomach emptying: Using Byetta is not recommended if you have a severe digestive condition, especially gastroparesis or another condition that slows stomach emptying. Instead, your doctor can review other treatments for type 2 diabetes that are safer for you to use. Using Byetta is not recommended if you have a severe digestive condition, especially gastroparesis or another condition that slows stomach emptying. Instead, your doctor can review other treatments for type 2 diabetes that are safer for you to use. Kidney condition, including past kidney transplant: Byetta side effects can include worsened kidney function and sudden kidney failure. Before you start using Byetta, let your doctor know if you have chronic kidney disease or another kidney condition. Depending on the severity of your kidney condition, Byetta may not be safe for you to use. Or your doctor may prescribe a lower Byetta dosage depending on your kidney function. Byetta side effects can include worsened kidney function and sudden kidney failure. Before you start using Byetta, let your doctor know if you have chronic kidney disease or another kidney condition. Depending on the severity of your kidney condition, Byetta may not be safe for you to use. Or your doctor may prescribe a lower Byetta dosage depending on your kidney function. Scheduled surgery: Treatment with Byetta can raise the risk of food getting into your lungs during procedures that require anesthesia or sedation, such as surgery. Talk with your doctor before undergoing such procedures during Byetta treatment. They may recommend temporarily pausing Byetta treatment for some time before the procedure, and they can advise when it's safe for you to continue treatment afterward. Treatment with Byetta can raise the risk of food getting into your lungs during procedures that require anesthesia or sedation, such as surgery. Talk with your doctor before undergoing such procedures during Byetta treatment. They may recommend temporarily pausing Byetta treatment for some time before the procedure, and they can advise when it's safe for you to continue treatment afterward. Allergic reaction: If you've had an allergic reaction to Byetta or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Byetta. Using the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better choices for you. If you've had an allergic reaction to Byetta or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Byetta. Using the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better choices for you. Breastfeeding: It's not known whether it's safe to use Byetta while breastfeeding. There isn't enough information to determine whether the drug passes into breast milk or what effects Byetta may have on a child who is breastfed. If you're breastfeeding or planning to, talk with your doctor before using Byetta. They can discuss treatment options and ways to feed a child other than breastfeeding. It's not known whether it's safe to use Byetta while breastfeeding. There isn't enough information to determine whether the drug passes into breast milk or what effects Byetta may have on a child who is breastfed. If you're breastfeeding or planning to, talk with your doctor before using Byetta. They can discuss treatment options and ways to feed a child other than breastfeeding. Pregnancy: There haven't been enough clinical trials to determine whether Byetta is safe to use while pregnant. Animal studies show that the drug may cause congenital anomalies (commonly known as birth defects) or pregnancy loss. However, it's important to note that animal studies don't always indicate what may happen in humans. And high blood sugar levels are known to increase certain risks during pregnancy. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor before starting Byetta. They can advise the right treatment plan for you. You can take certain steps to help prevent interactions with Byetta. Your doctor and pharmacist are key resources, so reaching out to them before starting treatment is a helpful first step. For example, it's important that you plan to do the following: Let them know if you drink alcohol or use cannabis. Tell them about any other medications you take, as well as any supplements, herbs, and vitamins. Create a medication list , which your doctor and pharmacist can help you fill out. It's also important to read the Byetta label and other paperwork that may come with the drug. The label may have colored stickers that mention an interaction. The paperwork, sometimes called the medication guide or patient package insert, may contain details about interactions. If Byetta doesn't come with paperwork, you can ask your pharmacist to print a copy. If you need help reading or understanding this information, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also help prevent interactions with Byetta by using it exactly as your doctor prescribes. Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses. Diabetes Type 2 Pharmacy / Pharmacist Drugs
North Wales Live
4 days ago
- North Wales Live
How to treat sting 'like being stabbed by red-hot needle' after sightings
A pharmacist has advised how to treat a sting from an Asian hornet amid a rise in sightings in the UK. So far this year, three nests found and there have been 24 sightings of the invasive yellow-legged hornet, which pose a major threat to many native UK insects, including honey bees. An Asian hornet - believed to have arrived in France on a shipment from China in 2004 - can consume 50 honey bees a day with a swarm able to kill off a hive of more than 30,000 bees. In 2024 there were 71 sightings and 24 hives found - and while experts do not believe there is an established UK population yet, a DEFRA eradication programme continues this year. The warning from Well Pharmacy comes as Brits spend more time outdoors during an unseasonal 23C hot spell this week - considerably warmer than the 14C monthly average. The Asian hornet is said to possess one of the most unpleasant stings known to man, often compared to being stabbed by a red-hot needle. Well Pharmacy wants the public to be aware of how they can treat themselves or others who may be unfortunate enough to suffer an Asian hornet sting. Anyone suffering immediate shortness of breath after contact with an Asian hornet or any insect must call 999, while Brits worried about bug bites and stings can go direct to their local pharmacy. Under the Pharmacy First scheme, in England, patients can seek advice and treatment about infected insect bites and stings from a pharmacist, without the need to speak to a GP. The hornet, which has been mainly sighted in Kent with a couple of other sightings in Hampshire and a solitary sighting in Shropshire can potentially wreak havoc on the UK's ecosystem. It is important Brits are able to tell the difference between harmless insect bites and life-threatening stings. The invasive species have slight differences in appearance to wasps and other hornets - most prominently, the Asian hornet has yellow legs. Asian hornets are generally seen as more aggressive than wasps unlike their European cousin and will potentially sting unprovoked. If you are stung by an Asian hornet, then Well Pharmacy's George Sandhu has the following advice which could help alleviate the pain. 1. Clean with soap and water Mr Sandhu says: 'A hornet sting will be much more painful than normal stings, there is no stinger left behind, meaning there is nothing to be removed. Instead head for the sink and use soap and cool water to clean the wound, no matter how small.' 2. Apply ice Mr Sandhu says: 'Once the wound has been cleaned, head to the freezer to get ice because cooling the body's temperature will slow the spread of venom. The coolness of the ice will also provide a soothing relief to the throbbing pain which comes from an Asian hornet sting.' 3. Monitor symptoms Mr Sandhu urges anyone who has been stung to keep monitoring the wound [2] and their condition - or make sure someone is around to keep a close eye on them. Mr Sandhu says: 'Some people who are stung by an Asian hornet will find themselves having an allergic reaction following the incident. 'It is important to consult a medical professional immediately if you believe you've had an allergic reaction to an Asian hornet sting.' 4. Get emergency help Mr Sandhu says: 'If you can feel your throat getting tight or you are having trouble breathing then it is possible that you may go into anaphylactic shock. It is crucial to ensure that people around you are aware of this so they can ring 999 and get the proper help for you. If you're with someone who is experiencing these symptoms then stay calm and call an ambulance.' 5. Be one step ahead Mr Sandhu said: 'Patients may be aware that they are allergic to bee or wasp stings and if this is the case then they should make sure to always have a bee sting kit on their person. Having this kit available will allow for immediate treatment which can help save their lives should they be stung by a bee, wasp or Asian hornet. 'The kits are compact and don't take up too much space and should be a part of someone's checklist whenever they suspect they may experience insects they are allergic to.' 6. Pharmacy First Mr Sandhu added: 'It is also important to remember that pharmacists can offer expert advice on any insect bites or stings through the Pharmacy First scheme. If you are looking for medical advice and treatment, then head to your local Well Pharmacy where a pharmacist can discuss options to treat the issue. 'Many patients have the option to purchase antihistamines, steroid creams and painkillers over the counter at their local pharmacy to enable immediate treatment. Other treatments can also be offered all without the need for a doctor's appointment due to the Pharmacy First scheme.' He adds: 'All insect stings and bites can be sore initially however there are a variety of treatments which can aid patients. Many patients find that creams are helpful in soothing the area which has been stung whilst others also use soap and water to ensure that the wound is clean. 'Asian hornets possess a particularly strong sting which can be very unpleasant however if patients follow the above guidance they will be able to soothe the sting which should heal in a few days.'
Wales Online
29-05-2025
- Wales Online
IBS sufferer 'life changed' and ditched 'Imodium' after using gut health sachet
IBS sufferer 'life changed' and ditched 'Imodium' after using gut health sachet The tasty new liquid supplement aims to help with gut issues and Irritable Bowel Syndrome sufferers are singing its praises The Gut Wealth liquid supplement is designed to improve bowel regularity, reduce urgency and improve overall gut health – and it's currently 25% off (Image: Gut Wealth ) Digestive discomfort is a silent struggle for many, whether it's occasional bloating after meals, unpredictable bowel habits, or persistent digestive unease. These symptoms can disrupt daily routines, sap energy and erode feelings of overall well-being. For those afflicted with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), the symptoms can be incapacitating: severe cramping, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation and other effects that can drastically alter one's quality of life. Gut Wealth, crowned Medtech and Healthtech StartUp of the Year 2024, is a brand dedicated to addressing everyone's gut issues - including those suffering from IBS. The brand is currently offering a 25% discount on their Gut Wealth daily liquid supplement for new customers, reducing the price to £89.97 from £119.96 for a 56 pack while a 42 pack is now £67.47, down from £89.97. READ MORE: Nutrition expert says mushroom coffee offers an energy boost 'without the crash' READ MORE: Hand luggage bag that's the 'perfect fit for Ryanair' now has a massive 45% off The offer also includes free UK postage on 42 or 56 packs and concludes on May, 31. To take advantage of the discount, no code is necessary, shoppers simply need to follow the link and enjoy their new product, reports the Mirror. Gut Wealth liquid supplement is a daily sachet designed to bolster digestive health and make gut symptoms more manageable. With a mix of seven carefully chosen ingredients, including a clinically-backed postbiotic, it aids in improving bowel regularity, reducing bloating, and alleviating digestive discomfort - particularly for those dealing with urgency or irregular movements. Gut Wealth's 25% off sale From £89.97 From £67.47 Gut Wealth Buy Now on Gut Wealth Product Description Gut Wealth is designed to help anyone with gut issues including IBS Each sachet, with a citrus flavour, is convenient for on-the-go use - no need for refrigeration - and suits most dietary lifestyles, being gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly, low in sugar and low FODMAP - a type of carbohydrate that can resist digestion. In addition to supporting gut health, it also provides a daily boost of essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, Vitamin C and Zinc. The brand states that while everyone is different and each gut is unique, people typically see results within the first four weeks but it is suggested to try four to eight weeks of sachets to understand the changes. Customers looking to try something different, could also consider the Boots Good Gut Live Friendly Bacteria 30 Capsules for £10.50 which are suitable for a vegan diet and for adults and children over the age of 12. Customers need to take two capsules a day with plenty of liquid, one with lunch and one with dinner. Another alternative could be the Biomel Complete Gut from Biomel for £30, which comes in flavours Belgian Chocolate, Pure Vanilla and Unflavoured and has up to 30 servings. The powder for digestive and immune health contains a blend of fibres, digestive enzymes and vitamins and minerals. One customer said the sachets had made "a true positive change to my life" (Image: Gut Wealth ) Customers have reported significant improvements in bowel regularity, reduced urgency and better overall gut health after adding the Gut Wealth citrus sachets to their daily regimen as one IBS sufferer shared her journey on social media, garnering over 50,000 views. "Before Gut Wealth, I'd literally spent years of my life in pain because of my IBS," she confessed. "I'd be constantly bloated and had such severe, debilitating cramps and pains sometimes something completely random would set me off. "I'd be lucky if I even managed to sit through a meal without having to run to the toilet. There's absolutely no chance of leaving the house on those days; you're a slave to your bowels. I'd be worried about having an accident. I'd be stuck at home all day and sent to bed early with intense cramps. I'd often feel quite lonely." However, she revealed that after four days of using Gut Wealth she "wasn't going to the toilet as much". "I noticed after two weeks I wasn't having to rush to the toilet at all and the painful cramps almost completely disappeared," she said. "I've been taking Gut Wealth for two and a half months now and I can eat whatever I want. I never thought I'd see the day when I could drink my morning coffee and have spicy noodles for dinner." Another customer shared: "So for years I've been travelling places and taking Imodium. But since I've been on these gut wealth sachets I don't take anything which has changed my life." "No more panic about getting to the toilet. Urgency was reduced and gut health improved. A true positive change to my life," praised another user. Users with IBS have reported improvements since using (Image: Gut Wealth ) However, some users didn't experience the full benefits, with one person admitting: "Good for regularity not so much with the bloating yet." Article continues below One reviewer shared: "This is the best product for after lunch bloating. Hang on in there as it does take a month or so to work though. Thank you. Life changing!" Considering the 25% discount available for new customers, the Gut Wealth daily liquid supplement may be worth considering to ease discomfort.
