Sleep Consultations
Do you Snore? Wake up Tired? Check here Why
Philips for sleep services
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a condition where the soft tissues in your throat relax so much during sleep that your airway becomes partially or completely blocked. When your breathing stops, you may wake up very briefly without remembering so you can breathe properly. This can happen many times throughout the night. While people with OSA are mostly unaware of this happening, the disrupted sleep results in waking up tired, morning headaches, snoring and increased risk of stroke and diabetes
The good news is, this condition can be managed, and we can do this in our pharmacy setting!
Did you know that sleep apnoea can have serious health implications?
Check out these facts:
- 50% of people with high blood pressure have Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.
- 58% of people with type 2 diabetes have sleep apnoea.
- 7x greater risk for a person with sleep apnoea to have a car accident
- 77% of people who are obese also have sleep apnoea.
Signs of sleep apnoea can include:
- Daytime sleepiness
- Loud snoring
- Waking up abruptly short of breath
- Irritability
- Mood changes
If you suspect that you may have sleep apnoea, take our online sleep test to determine if you are eligible for an overnight take-home sleep test.
Sleep test -
www.shop.pharmacysleepservices.com.au/
new-quiz-fullscreen
What can I expect?
Once you take the test online and receive a pharmacy consult, you could be sent home with an overnight home sleep test. This test involves attaching a device to your body with sensors that monitor your sleep, breathing patterns, pulse oximetry, and pauses in breathing. In the morning, simply turn off the device, remove the sensors, and return the device to the pharmacy.
The results will be uploaded to a sleep specialist who will make the diagnosis. In some cases, additional tests may be required. You will be contacted by the store to go through your report and explain the results. If sleep apnoea is diagnosed, the severity of your condition and recommended treatment options will be discussed. Typically, treatment involves trying or purchasing a CPAP machine, mask, and accessories to help improve your quality of sleep and overall quality of life.
How long do the results take?
Please allow 7-14 days for the results to come back from the sleep specialist. We will contact you immediately with the results.
We have a dedicated sleep consultant specialising in sleep apnoea to take you through this journey. With a simple overnight sleep test you can do in the comfort of your own home, you can be tested for OSA straight away with no GP referral required. Depending on the results of the diagnostic test, you may be recommended to start a treatment trial with a CPAP machine. During your trial, our sleep consultant will need to see you every week as you become accustomed to treatment. Support will be available every step of the way.
This is considered a private clinic service, which has shorter wait times than the public system but does have costs associated with treatment.
Pricing
- Overnight diagnostic sleep test: $199
- 4-week CPAP trial: $299
Take the sleep quiz here to see if you are at risk of OSA:
https://www.shop.pharmacysleepservices.com.au/new-quiz-fullscreen/
Smoking Cessation
Have you been thinking about quitting smoking? Sick of spending your hard earned money on a habit that is slowly killing you?? For some extra encouragement, why not come down and talk to us
QUIT SMOKING at Unichem Waiuku Pharmacy. Our Pharmacists are qualified smoking cessation practitioners.
Everyone's quit journey is different - some people vape, use patches, gum or lozenges, use prescription medication or some even go cold turkey. Some people quit for their whānau, some for their health or some because of finances. No matter why or how you're quitting, we are here to support you.
Being clear about your reasons to quit smoking can help you stay motivated. You might find it useful to write a list and pin it up somewhere you can see or keep it with you.
For many people, the main reasons to quit are:
- Health benefits of quitting
- Money benefits
- Family
- Quiting for your kids- If you smoke your kids are 7x more likely to as well. Make a positive change to benefit your whole family now!
- Your appearance - Smoking starves your skin of oxygen making it dry and grey. You develop wrinkles around your eyes and mouth much earlier, and the tar stains your teeth and fingers.
- Smell - Your hair and breath will smell cleaner. So will your house, car and clothes.
- Lifestyle reasons - Being a smoker can be a nuisance, like when you are on a plane or train and can't smoke, or when you are out with friends who don't smoke.
- Taking control - Quitting smoking is a challenge. Once you have set the goal to quit and succeeded, you will feel really proud of yourself. Quitting helps you take on other challenges.
- Fitness - Smoking makes it harder for you to exercise and reduces the benefits to your body.
- Your senses - Your sense of smell and taste will get better.
- There’s no need to book an appointment, and we can supply smoking cessation products to you in the same visit.
We carry a variety of Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products, most of which are fully funded, including:
- Lozenges
- Patches Gum
- Inhalers
- Mouth Sprays
- The supply of NRT products is subsidised when provided by a pharmacist.
- So what are you waiting for. Come down and talk to us and see if we can help you.
Vaccinations
A number of vaccinations are now available at our pharmacy to keep you and your family/whanau protected. Vaccinations at our pharmacy are a convenient and easily accessible service without an appointment. Don’t assume you are immune.
Our pharmacists are trained to provide vaccinations for the following conditions:
- Influenza (Flu) – free for patients over 65 years of age and women who are pregnant. This is seasonal and not available all year round.
- Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
- Shingles
- Meningococcal disease
- Covid-19
- MMR – Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
- HPV
The short answer is Yes. The Ministry of Health suggests that almost everyone* can benefit from the protection of an annual Flu Shot. *A small number of people, such as those who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccine previously or those who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs should not be vaccinated without first consulting a doctor.
No. A cold virus only affects the nose, throat and upper chest and lasts for a few days, whereas influenza, commonly called the flu can be a serious illness that affects the whole body and can last a week or more. Infection with the Flu virus can lead to a stay in hospital for any age group but particularly if you are elderly or have an ongoing medical condition. Flu can make an existing medical condition, such as asthma or diabetes, a lot worse. Even if you do not end up in hospital, Flu can keep you in bed for a week or more, preventing you from going to work, playing sport or just about anything else that requires leaving the house
Every year the flu virus changes. Scientists from the World Health Organisation find the three or four types of flu they think will be the most widespread and dangerous for the coming winter and use them to develop the Flu vaccine for that year. Being fit and healthy will not protect you from influenza. The flu spreads easily and even if you’re super healthy, your family, friends and co-workers may not be. By immunizing against influenza you can protect yourself and lessen the chance of bringing it home to a baby, older relative or someone with a medical condition who could develop serious complications from influenza.
No. You cannot get influenza from the vaccine. The Flu vaccine is made up of dead flu viruses. Since they aren’t live, you can’t catch the flu from them. When you get the vaccine, your body learns what the flu looks like, so it can fight the illness. It takes about 2 weeks for your body to be ready to fight.
The Flu Vaccination is available most days during the week and no appointment is necessary.
We’ll ask you to stick around for 20 minutes afterwards to make sure you don’t have any unwanted reactions from the injection.
We also offers flu shots off-site for groups. Our pharmacists can take flu shots on the road to go to rest homes, offices, and schools. If you run a business, care facility or other organisation and want to minimise sick days during winter, get in touch to organise a visit from our pharmacists. Can you afford not to protect your staff this winter? The flu is highly contagious and effects unto 20% of New Zealanders every year. Companies loose millions of dollars a year due to staff illness so be proactive! .
Shingles Vaccine Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox (varicella-zoster). After your chickenpox blisters heal, the virus that caused them remains in your body and is dormant. The virus may be there for many years and not cause a problem. Sometimes however the virus may become active again. So, anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk of developing shingles. In fact approximately 1 in 3 people will experience shingles in their lifetime. For some people shingles is more than just a painful blistering rash. 1 in 4 people will develop complications, the most common being long-term nerve pain that can last for months, even years, after the rash has healed. If you are 50 years of age or older talk to one of our Pharmacists, who are now able to provide a vaccine that helps prevent shingles*
Meningococcal Vaccine Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection that causes two very serious illnesses, meningitis (an infection of the membranes that cover the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning). Diagnosing and treating meningococcal disease is not easy. The current vaccines available do not protect against all meningococcal strains, but they do provide protection against up to half of the disease in New Zealand, for up to 3 to 5 years. It can affect anyone - but it is more common in children under the age of 5, teenagers, and young adults. Students in their first year of tertiary education living in hostel accommodation may also be at higher risk. Those traveling internationally to areas of risk are encouraged to have the vaccine. A vaccine that protects against 4 strains of meningococcal disease is now available for people 16 years of age and over from Pharmacists*.
Whooping Cough Vaccine Whooping cough is a highly contagious disease that cannot only be life threatening to babies but can also cause prolonged illness in adults. It causes severe bouts of coughing and is easily transmitted. The disease is most infectious in the first couple of weeks, when symptoms are like a normal cold. Whooping cough continues to be infectious 3-4 weeks after the cough starts, unless you are treated with antibiotics. Many babies catch whooping cough from their immediate family including older siblings or parents - often before they are old enough to be fully immunised. Our Pharmacists are now able to provide the whooping cough vaccine* to adults 18 years and older.
Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP)
Contraceptive failure or having unprotected sex can be a stressful situation. The risk of pregnancy can be reduced by taking the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP). The ECP is most effective the sooner it is taken. As getting to the Doctor is not always possible or practical our accredited ECP pharmacists are available to provide you with a consultation and are able to dispense the ECP if it is appropriate for you. The ECP’s effectiveness The emergency contraceptive pill will be most effective if you take it as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Taking the ECP within 24 hours is best, but it can prevent pregnancy if taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex.
The ECP has been shown to prevent: 95% of expected pregnancies when taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex 85% if taken within 25 - 48 hours 58% if taken within 49 - 72 hours.
It’s important to note that the ECP does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you have any concerns speak with your Unichem Pharmacist, doctor or family planning clinic.
Possible side effects You may experience the following side effects but they should resolve within a few days:
- Breast tenderness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Vomiting If vomiting occurs within three hours of taking the ECP, another dose should be taken immediately. Your next period will probably come at the expected time, but it may be early or late, and it could be heavier than usual.
- You should make an appointment to see your doctor immediately if: Your next period is unusually light or heavy, more than 5 days late or if you’re taking oral contraceptives and there is no bleeding in the pill-free interval.
- If you have any lower abdominal pain - Some precautions to take Contraception It’s recommended that you use a barrier contraceptive (condoms) until your next period. If you use a contraceptive pill, keep taking the hormonal pills as normal and use additional barrier protection for seven days. If you have less than seven hormonal pills left in the packet, you should continue with the next pack and omit the seven-day break or placebo (sugar) tablets. Pregnancy The emergency contraceptive pill is generally safe to take while breastfeeding, but check with your Pharmacist or doctor if you are concerned.
- The Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP) can be taken to prevent pregnancy up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. Appointments are not required, and our accredited pharmacists can supply the ECP after private consultation. A consultation fee will apply for this service.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s)
Urinary Tract Infections are a common condition which typically affects women. Symptoms may include pain and a burning sensation when urinating, nausea and vomiting, pain in the lower back or sides, and even blood in the urine. If left untreated, UTIs can lead to serious complications, so it’s important to discuss any concerns with us once they arise.
Urinary Tract Infections are often referred to as cystitis or bladder infections. Urinary Tract Infections cause women considerable discomfort and we have pharmacists on staff who have undertaken appropriate training and are able to offer effective treatment where appropriate. They will work through a thorough checklist to ensure certain criteria are met before supplying the medicine. The treatment is available to women between the ages of 16 and 65 who are not pregnant and who have not taken a course of antibiotics within the previous six months.
Appointments are not required. A consultation fee applies for this service.
Erectile Dysfunction
New Confidential Service
Our trained Pharmacists can now offer a new confidential service for men with erectile dysfunction (ED) in males aged 35 to 70 years. Erectile Dysfunction is a common issue that affects many men over the age of 40. It can present itself as either a total inability to achieve an erection, an inconsistent ability to do so, or a tendency to sustain only brief erections. ED is a very common problem in men and can be treated with Sildenafil (little blue pill).
Some men should not take Sildenafil eg men on certain medicines or men who have had a recent heart attack or stroke, so we will ask questions about your health to ensure the drug is appropriate for you. We will also check your heart health, including taking your blood-pressure. The first consultation will take about 20 minutes, and repeat supplies will take about 5 minutes.
If you're concerned about ED, talk to one of our qualified Pharmacists who have completed the approved training pro-gramme, and ask about our loyalty pro-gramme.
In a private area, the pharmacist will advise you about Sildenafil and treat the sale as if it were prescribed by your doctor.
Appointments are not required. A consultation fee applies for this service.
Weight Management
We offer a wide range of weight management products to help kick start you into action. Come in and see us and we can work out which one is best for you.
Blood Pressure Testing
You don't have to go to your doctors to get your blood pressure done - pop in and see one of our friendly team and we can do it for you. A small charge does apply.
Aseptic Dispensing
We can dispense and manufacture syringe drivers for the Niki Pump. Used in hospices, hospitals, and general practice.
Long Term Condition (LTC) Services
We offer LTC services for patients who take multiple medicines for more than one chronic health condition, including:
- Reconciliation of prescriptions, to ensure your medication is always up to date
- Synchronisation of prescriptions to keep them aligned
- The disposal of unused or expired medicine
- Regular contact with LTC patients
- Medicine management solutions such as compliance packaging of medicine
- Adjusting the collection of your medication to suit your needs
- Providing a medication card every time your prescription changes
Speak to one of our pharmacists today for more information about our LTC services and if you qualify for the funded LTC service.
Medical Consultations for Common Ailments
Our pharmacists can provide personalised advice and suggest products to care for common health needs, including:
- Acid reflux disease
- Allergic rhinitis
- Calluses and corns
- Cold sores
- Contact allergic dermatitis (skin reaction from coming into contact with an allergen)
- Coughs and colds
- Cuts, grazes and minor wounds
- Impetigo/sores
- Indigestion
- Menstrual cramps
- Minor joint pain
- Non-infectious diarrhea
- Dandruff
- Dry eyes
- Eye irritations
- First aid
- Fungal infections of the skin (such as Athlete’s Foot)
- Hemorrhoids
- Hay fever
- Mild hives (including bites and stings)
- Mild to moderate eczema
- Minor burns
- Oral ulcers
- Thread-worms and pin-worms
- Mild acne
- Mild headache
- Minor muscle pain
- Minor sleep disorders
- Nasal congestion
- Nausea
- Pain relief
- Sore throat
- Sunburns
- Vaginal candidiasis (yeast infection)
- Warts (excluding facial and genital)
- Oral fungal infection (thrush)
Oral Contraceptive
We can renew your oral contraceptive prescription in the pharmacy, saving you a trip to the GP if you’ve received an oral contraceptive prescription from your GP in the past three years. Note: Only selected oral contraceptive medicines can be supplied by a pharmacist without a prescription from the GP. Other criteria may apply. Speak to one of our pharmacists for more information or enquire below.
Medical Equipment
We hire out crutches and wheelchairs at your convenience on a weekly basis. The cost is $6 per day all we need form you is a $50 bond. Please call to reserve.
Ear Piercing
Unichem Waiuku Pharmacy has trained Ear Piercers to provide this service. We highly recommend using the “Studex” antiseptic solution
Ring for an appointment or just pop in and see if we can fit you in. Saturdays ONLY by appointment
We can pierce the ears of children 6 years old and up. If under 16 we need a parental signature and if over 16 some form of photo ID.
An ear piercing instrument (commonly referred to as a piercing gun or an ear piercing gun) is a device designed to pierce earlobes by driving a pointed starter earring through the ear.
Initial healing time for an earlobe piercing performed with an ear piercing instrument is typically 6 –8 weeks. After that time, earrings can be changed. If the hole is left unfilled for an extended period of time, there is some risk of the piercing closing.
Piercing professionals recommend wearing earrings in the newly pierced ears for at least 6 months, and sometimes even a full year. Cartilage piercing will usually require more healing time than earlobe piercing, sometimes 2 – 3 times as long. After healing, earlobe piercings will shrink to smaller gauges in the prolonged absence of earrings, and in most cases will completely disappear.
Passport Photos
We can produce perfect passport photos quickly and professionally. Our team know the requirements and will ensure your pictures meet the latest sizing, composition and expression standards. We use the Department of Internal Affairs’ passport checking service to ensure the images meet the requirements.
Unichem Waiuku Pharmacy can produce a physical Passport photo on our Kiosk, which will provide you with 8 individual photos or we can provide a digital copy and can e-mail them to you or save them to a memory stick if doing an online application so you can upload them.
Vitamin B12 Injections
A B12 deficiency can leave you feeling low energy and constantly tired, you might experience pins & needles, muscle weakness or even vision loss. A B12 injection is a great option if supplements and other methods just aren't cutting it as the injections have a high absorption.