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Published on: Apr 16, 2020
1 minute read
By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

Vitamin D: The One Time We Will Recommend Supplements

Whilst we wouldn’t recommend taking multivitamins unless advised by a doctor, vitamin D is a different beast. This vitamin is special as we can produce it in our own bodies from cholesterol, with one step of the reaction requiring sunlight, and another two steps performed in the kidney and liver. The vitamin is key in maintaining calcium balance in our bodies, ensuring that we have enough to keep our bones strong and well mineralised, but not to excessive levels that can cause nerve dysfunction, muscle spasms and even cardiac arrythmias.

As we have moved to working indoors in offices, with more sedentary lifestyles at home, vitamin D deficiency has become more of a problem. This is especially true as you travel to countries which are closer to the north or south poles, as in winter times sunlit hours become shorter, and cloudy weather becomes more prevalent. People with dark skin have more melanin in their skin, designed to block UV light, and are more prone to deficiency. Similarly, people who cover their skin for cultural reasons or due to health reasons (sensitive skin or a history of skin cancer) may face similar issues.

In many European countries Vitamin D deficiency is common across the population, but largely undiagnosed except in the most severe of circumstances. Symptoms can be very generic, including fatigue and tiredness, depressive symptoms, muscle pain, with more severe deficiencies leading to osteoporosis (weaker, more brittle bones).

In the elderly this can lead to a higher risk of fractures after a fall. Whilst the bone may take weeks to heal, the physiological and psychological implications often last months, and sometimes a person may never recover to their baseline without intense physiotherapy and support from their regular physician. For this reason elderly patients are often put on bone protection with weekly doses of Vitamin D.

What about the general population? Well, the advice may surprise you. Though we have advocated against immune boosting foods, multivitamins and many fads that propagate on social media, we would actually advise people to take vitamin D supplements, especially those who are at risk of deficiency:

Limited sun exposure on skin
Darker skin
Living in cloudy regions or countries with lower sun exposure
Vegans, or those with a poor diet
Pregnant and breastfeeding women,
Elderly (above 65)
Those with obesity or have had gastric bypass surgery

In these instances, we would recommend supplementing your diet with Vitamin D at low doses. This advice is evidence based, and supported by the UK Clinical guidelines (National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence), guidelines that are very stringent in providing treatments that have strong evidence and unbiased, highly critiqued research behind them.

Dr Rajan Choudhary, UK, Chief Product Officer, Second Medic Inc

www.secondmedic.com

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Best Pharmacy for Heart Medicine: Your Guide to Safe, Affordable, and Reliable Heart Care

Heart health is one of the most important aspects of overall wellness. Whether you're managing high blood pressure, cholesterol, or recovering from a cardiac event, getting the right medicine on time is crucial. But with so many options out there—local drugstores, online pharmacies, mail-order services—it can be confusing to choose the best place to buy your heart medication.

In this blog, we'll help you understand what makes a pharmacy trustworthy, how to save money on prescriptions, and what to look for in the best pharmacy for heart medicine.

Why Choosing the Right Pharmacy Matters

When it comes to heart conditions, every dose counts. Your medication schedule must be consistent and accurate. Choosing the wrong pharmacy could result in:

Delays in medication delivery
Incorrect dosages or prescriptions
Higher-than-necessary prices
Poor customer support
Lack of pharmacist consultation

This is why selecting a reliable, professional pharmacy isn’t just about convenience—it’s about protecting your health.

Key Features of a Good Heart Medicine Pharmacy

Before choosing a pharmacy, consider the following features:

1. Licensed and Verified

Always ensure that the pharmacy you choose is licensed and operates under government regulations. Online pharmacies should be verified by a recognized authority, like the NABP (National Association of Boards of Pharmacy).

2. Availability of Heart Medications

Check if the pharmacy stocks the specific medicines you need—such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, diuretics, or cholesterol-lowering drugs. A good pharmacy will offer a wide range of branded and generic options.

3. Affordable Pricing

Heart medications are often long-term prescriptions, so cost matters. Compare prices across different pharmacies. Some offer loyalty programs, discounts, or coupons to help reduce your monthly expenses.

4. Expert Pharmacist Consultation

Having access to a licensed pharmacist is essential. Whether you're dealing with side effects or need help understanding your medication schedule, professional advice should always be a phone call away.

5. Home Delivery Options

If you have limited mobility or live far from a physical store, home delivery can be a game-changer. Reliable delivery ensures you never miss a dose.

6. Easy Prescription Transfers and Refills

A user-friendly refill system is important for heart patients. Look for pharmacies that offer mobile apps or online portals to track orders, refill prescriptions, and set medication reminders.

Online vs. Local Pharmacies: What’s Better?

Local Pharmacies:

Personal touch and face-to-face consultation
Immediate access to medications
Ideal for urgent needs

Online Pharmacies:

Usually offer better pricing
Greater convenience
Delivery to your doorstep
Ideal for recurring prescriptions

The best option depends on your personal needs. Some people prefer local pharmacies for human interaction, while others enjoy the ease of online services.

Top Tips for Saving Money on Heart Medications

Here are some practical ways to cut down your pharmacy bills:

Choose Generic Over Branded: Generic medications are FDA-approved and just as effective as branded drugs but can cost up to 80% less.
Use Discount Cards: Websites like GoodRx, SingleCare, or pharmacy savings programs offer discount coupons for heart medications.
Buy in Bulk: If you're on a stable prescription, purchasing a 90-day supply can save both time and money.
Compare Prices: Don’t stick to the first pharmacy you find. Use comparison websites to check prices across multiple pharmacies.
Ask About Manufacturer Discounts: Some drug manufacturers offer patient assistance programs or discount cards.

Red Flags to Avoid

Be cautious of:

Unlicensed online pharmacies
Pharmacies that don’t require a prescription
Unrealistically low prices
Lack of contact information or support

If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Heart medicine isn’t something to gamble on—always go with trusted sources.

How to Find the Best Pharmacy for Heart Medicine Online

If you're thinking of switching to an online pharmacy, here’s how you can find a good one:

Check Reviews: Look at real user feedback and star ratings on platforms like Trustpilot, Google, or pharmacy forums.
Confirm Licenses: Make sure the pharmacy is certified by relevant medical or government bodies.
Call Their Support Line: Talk to a pharmacist or customer service rep to judge the professionalism and reliability.
Test with a Small Order: Before transferring all prescriptions, place a small order to see how fast and accurate their service is.

Benefits of Sticking With One Pharmacy

Once you find a good pharmacy, it’s often better to stay loyal. Why?

Your prescription history is maintained in one place
Pharmacists can monitor for drug interactions
Refill reminders and auto-ship features are easier to manage
It’s faster to resolve any issues or request help

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Heart Health

Managing a heart condition requires more than just taking medicine—it requires trust, consistency, and smart decision-making. By choosing a pharmacy that aligns with your needs, offers fair pricing, and prioritizes your health, you're setting yourself up for long-term wellness.

If you're tired of searching endlessly, comparing prices, and worrying about refills, it's time to make a switch.

Take control of your heart health today—choose the best pharmacy for heart medicine and experience peace of mind with every dose.