PharmaZana

10/05/2026

At CPC London, Tanya ( ) and I chatted about the reality of working as clinical pharmacists — the consultations, medication reviews, independent prescribing, patient education, problem-solving, and the constant balancing act that comes with working in primary care.

We also had a laugh about whether we count as “pharmacist influencers” or “content creators”, but the heart of the conversation was really about the profession itself and how varied our roles have become.

Pharmacy has changed so much over the years, and clinical pharmacists are now embedded across patient care in ways many people still don’t fully see or understand. Conversations like this are a good reminder of just how broad, challenging, and rewarding the role can be.

A few highlights from a really enjoyable chat between two pharmacists passionate about the profession and the people behind it.

08/05/2026

15 years of CPC and still one of the most inspiring events in UK pharmacy.

Friday started with a 7am British Airways flight from Edinburgh to London City Airport, then straight to ExCeL London for a full day of learning, networking, catching up with friends, and creating content.

One thing about CPC: I always leave feeling re-energised about clinical pharmacy and the future of our profession. Hearing from experts across different sectors, seeing innovation in practice, and being surrounded by thousands of pharmacy professionals all focused on improving patient care reminds me why I love this career.

It’s definitely a trek from Dunfermline for a day trip — especially when your return flight home is 7:55pm — but honestly? Exhausted and completely worth it.

This reel has a few highlights from my day London 2026 ✈️📚💊

07/04/2026

Today is World Health Day but most of what actually improves health isn’t complicated.

It’s the basics.
And these are the ones people still get wrong.

1. Blood pressure
Often silent. Often missed.
👉 NICE target:

24/03/2026

Hi I’m Farzana, a Clinical Pharmacist & Independent Prescriber working in primary care as well as a content creator.

I’ve been a pharmacist for over 21 years, and my work sits at the interface between clinical guidelines and real-world patient care.

In practice, things are rarely as straightforward as the guideline suggests. Patients don’t present neatly, decisions are not always binary, and you’re often balancing risk, uncertainty, and limited time.

That’s where my content sits.

I focus on the clinical reasoning behind decisions, not just what to do, but why you’re doing it.
• How to interpret and apply guidelines in real consultations
• How to manage long-term conditions when patients don’t fit the “textbook”
• How to navigate prescribing decisions, safety considerations, and patient expectations
• How to document clearly and defensibly in practice

This isn’t about oversimplified summaries.
It’s about thinking like a clinician, and making decisions you can stand over.

If you’re a pharmacist or working in primary care and want practical, evidence-based clinical insights, you’re in the right place.

| clinical insights

08/03/2026

International Women’s Day –

Today is International Women’s Day, and this year’s theme is Give to Gain.

In healthcare, one of the most meaningful ways we can give is by investing in women’s health.

For too long, many conditions affecting women have been under-recognised, under-researched, or dismissed as “normal”. Iron deficiency, thyroid disease, autoimmune conditions, endometriosis, perimenopause and menopause are just a few examples where women often experience delays in diagnosis or support.

When healthcare systems take women’s symptoms seriously and provide timely, evidence-based care, the benefits extend far beyond the individual patient.

We gain:
• earlier diagnosis
• better quality of life
• healthier families
• stronger communities
• improved long-term public health.

As pharmacists and healthcare professionals, we are often one of the most accessible points of care. Listening carefully, recognising patterns in symptoms, and advocating for appropriate investigations can make a real difference.

Investing in women’s health is not just about equality.

It is good medicine and good public health.

That is the real meaning of ‘GiveToGain’.

Farzana Haq
Clinical Pharmacist & Independent Prescriber
Founder of PharmaZana – Clinical Insights

04/03/2026

Hair loss in women: why supplements are rarely the first step

In general practice, hair loss is one of the most common concerns women raise during perimenopause and menopause.

Many people assume the solution is a hair vitamin or biotin supplement, but medically we usually start somewhere else.

Before recommending supplements, we look for underlying causes.

The most common ones include:

• Iron deficiency – low ferritin can disrupt the hair growth cycle
• Thyroid dysfunction – both underactive and overactive thyroid can cause diffuse hair thinning
• Hormonal changes – declining oestrogen during perimenopause can affect hair density
• Telogen effluvium – stress, illness, surgery or rapid weight loss can trigger temporary shedding

These are the things we investigate first in primary care.

What about biotin and hair supplements?

Nutritional deficiencies can contribute to hair loss, but true biotin deficiency is actually uncommon in people eating a balanced diet.

However, once medical causes have been excluded or treated, supportive options such as amino acids, B vitamins or biotin may be used alongside medical care.

Important note:

Biotin supplements can interfere with certain blood tests, particularly thyroid function tests.

Always tell your healthcare professional if you are taking supplements before having blood tests.

Key message:

Hair loss in midlife women is very common and often multifactorial.

Before starting supplements, it’s important to consider:

iron status • thyroid function • hormones • stress • overall nutrition

Treating the underlying cause is what makes the biggest difference.

Evidence:
NICE CKS • NHS • British Association of Dermatologists

19/12/2024

This powerful image shows the internal differences between a woman at 250 lbs and the same woman at 125 lbs, illustrating how body composition affects the structure and function of the body.

On the left (250 lbs), there is a significant amount of yellow tissue, representing fat mass. This includes both subcutaneous fat (under the skin) and visceral fat (fat surrounding the organs). Visceral fat is particularly concerning because it wraps around key organs like the liver, stomach, and intestines, increasing the risk of serious conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and even certain cancers. The larger volume of fat also compresses the organs, making them work harder and less efficiently.

By contrast, on the right (125 lbs), there is a far healthier distribution of lean muscle tissue (red areas) and a marked reduction in fat mass. The reduced visceral fat means less strain on the internal organs, improved metabolic health, and better overall function. The skeletal structure is also under less pressure, reducing stress on the knees, hips, and spine, which can help prevent joint pain and long-term damage such as arthritis.

Additionally, the leaner body composition seen on the right allows for greater mobility, flexibility, and physical endurance, contributing to an improved quality of life. Beyond aesthetics, the shift from higher fat mass to a balance of muscle and healthy fat promotes hormonal balance, better cardiovascular function, and reduced systemic inflammation.

This comparison highlights that weight loss isn’t just about numbers on a scale—it’s about improving body composition to enhance overall health. While every journey is different, even small, sustainable changes can lead to significant improvements in how your body functions and feels. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection. Keep moving forward!

13/12/2024

Understanding Methylphenidate Formulations 💊

When prescribing methylphenidate for ADHD, choosing the right formulation is crucial for managing symptoms effectively throughout the day.

Each formulation varies in how quickly it reaches peak concentration and its duration of action, so tailoring treatment to the patient’s routine is key.

If a formulation has a shorter immediate-release percentage, it means:

1. Slower Initial Onset:
• The immediate-release portion delivers the drug quickly after ingestion. A smaller percentage means less of the medication acts immediately, leading to a slower onset of action.

2. Prolonged Gradual Release:
• A higher extended-release portion takes over, releasing the medication gradually over a longer period. This provides sustained therapeutic effects with fewer peaks and troughs in drug levels.

3. Implications for Symptom Control:
• Suitable for patients needing steady symptom management throughout the day rather than an immediate effect. For example, Concerta XL (22% immediate, 78% extended) is designed for all-day coverage, making it ideal for school or work environments.

4. Clinical Considerations:
• If a patient requires quick symptom control (e.g., morning focus), a formulation with a higher immediate-release percentage may be better, like Medikinet XL (50% immediate, 50% extended).

Choosing the right formulation depends on the patient’s daily routine and symptom patterns. A lower immediate-release percentage suits those who need long-lasting, steady control without abrupt surges in effect.

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11/12/2024

🌬️ New Asthma Guidelines 2024: Key Updates for HCPs 🌬️

The latest joint guideline by NICE, BTS/SIGN redefines how we approach asthma care, diagnosis, and management. Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s changed:

✅ Diagnosis First: Objective tests (like FeNO & spirometry) are now essential for confirming asthma. Don’t delay treatment while waiting for test results!

💊 No More SABA Alone: A major shift towards combination inhalers (LABA/ICS) at every stage, with formoterol-based MART (Maintenance & Reliever Therapy) being the cornerstone of treatment.

🗓️ Ongoing Monitoring: Regular reviews every 6 months (or more for those struggling), with tools like FeNO and eosinophil counts guiding therapy adjustments.

📝 Personalised Action Plans: Clear guidance on symptom recognition, maintenance therapy, and when to step up. Patients with action plans see better outcomes, fewer hospital visits, and improved quality of life.

🌍 Environment Matters: Inhaler choices now include considerations for carbon footprint reduction while prioritising optimal care.

Whether you’re managing patients in primary or secondary care, this comprehensive update will guide you in delivering evidence-based, patient-centred care. 💡

👩‍⚕️ Save this post and share it with your team! Let’s adapt together to improve asthma outcomes.



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11/12/2024

11/12/2024

🎓 Women’s Health Courses I’m Studying Right Now!

Many of you have been sliding into my DMs asking what I’m currently learning to upskill in women’s health, so here’s the full list! 📝 Whether you’re a fellow pharmacist, healthcare professional, or just curious about my journey, these courses are packed with insights and practical knowledge:

✨ Morph Women’s Health Academy
Free webinars over 6 months—a great resource for staying updated on key women’s health topics.

✨ i2i F2F Women’s Health Clinic Summit
This course is a game changer! 💡 It includes:
• Access to the i2i competency framework on SMART platform.
• FREE 12-month access to Newson Health’s Confidence in Menopause course after completing the summit.

✨ Red Whale Women’s Health Course
This one-day online course offers on-demand access for a whole year and comes with a printed handbook—perfect for practical application. ✅

I’ve chosen these because they align with my commitment to delivering the best care for women’s health patients while staying ahead in clinical practice. 💪

➡️ If you’re thinking of expanding your own knowledge in women’s health, I highly recommend these courses! Got any questions? Drop them below or DM me. 📩