Helal Medical Diagnostic and Pharmacy

29/08/2025

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS: A QUICK GUIDE FOR WOMEN (PART 1)

Contraceptive pills (oral contraceptive pills or OCPs) are medicines that use hormones to prevent pregnancy.

🟣 WHAT’S INSIDE THE PILL?

Most pills combine:
- Ethinylestradiol → a synthetic estrogen
- Progestin (such as levonorgestrel or cyproterone acetate)

Aside from preventing pregnancy, these hormones can also affect:
- Blood sugar
- Stress levels
- Blood pressure
- Androgen activity (which may influence acne, hair growth, and skin oiliness)

🟣 WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

LADY & TRUST PILLS
- Older formulation, generally cheaper
- May cause more side effects compared to newer pills
- 28 tablets per pack (21 active + 7 “hormone-free” pills)
- Contents: Ethinylestradiol 30 mcg + Levonorgestrel 150 mcg
- Trust pills also contain 75 mg ferrous fumarate (iron supplement)

DIANE-35 & ALTHEA
- Newer formulation, generally pricier
- Often fewer side effects
- 21 tablets per pack (all active pills, no placebo pills)
- Contents: Ethinylestradiol 35 mcg + Cyproterone acetate 2 mg

💡 TIP: Everyone’s body is different. Always check with a doctor to know which pill is right for you.

📍Visit us at 1679 Vareb Mansion, Malate, Manila from Mondays to Sundays, 7 AM to 8 PM.

For inquiries, call or message us at (02) 7621-6027 / 0939-333-3334.

28/08/2025

🩺 Health Screening Packages – Same Day Results!

Looking for an affordable health check-up in Metro Manila? We offer Basic and General Health Screening Packages to help you stay on top of your health.

📍 Visit us at 1679 Vareb Mansion, Malate, Manila
🕘 Open Mondays to Fridays, 8 AM to 5 PM
📞 For inquiries: (02) 7621-6027 /0939-333-3334

⚠️ Reminder: Please fast for 8–10 hours before your test (no food or water).

22/08/2025

COMMONS MEDS YOU SHOULD NOT MIX (AND WHY)

Some food, drinks, or meds don’t go well together. Here are combos to watch out for: ⚠️

1️⃣ Antibiotics + Alcohol
Drinking while on antibiotics can slow your healing and make side effects like stomach upset, dizziness, and drowsiness worse. Some antibiotics (like metronidazole) can even cause severe reactions with alcohol.

2️⃣ Cholesterol meds (Statins) + Grapefruit juice
Grapefruit can make certain statins (simvastatin, atorvastatin) too strong, leading to side effects like muscle pain. Not all statins are affected—rosuvastatin is generally safe with grapefruit.

3️⃣ Pain relievers (like Ibuprofen/Mefenamic Acid) + BP meds
Taking these together can make your blood pressure go up and strain your kidneys.

✅ Tip: Always check with your pharmacist before mixing medicines, foods, or drinks.

📍Visit us at 1679 Vareb Mansion, Malate, Manila from Mondays to Sundays, 7 AM to 8 PM.

For inquiries, call or message us at (02) 7621-6027 / 0939-333-3334.

20/08/2025

BEFORE OR AFTER MEALS? 🍽️

We get this question every single day!

Here's a quick guide:

✅ TAKE BEFORE MEALS
(usually on an empty stomach for better absorption)

1. Iron Supplements
– E.g. Sangobion, Ferrous Sulfate
– Best absorbed on an empty stomach
– May cause nausea for some → take with small crackers if needed

2. Appetite Stimulants
– E.g. Buclizine
– Helps increase appetite if taken before eating

✅ TAKE AFTER MEALS
(to reduce stomach irritation or help digestion)

1. Pain relievers
– E.g. Mefenamic Acid (Dolfenal, Ponstan)
- E.g. Ibuprofen (Advil, Medicol Advance)
– These may cause gastric upset or ulcers if taken on an empty stomach

2. Antibiotics
– E.g. Amoxicillin, Co-Amoxiclav
– Best taken after meals to avoid stomach discomfort

3. Antacids
– E.g. Kremil-S, Gaviscon
– Neutralizes stomach acid after it builds up

If your doctor or pharmacist says “after meals,” it usually means 15–30 MINUTES AFTER eating. If it says “before meals,” take it 30 MINUTES TO 1 HOUR BEFORE.

💬 Still confused? Just ask us at the counter — that’s what we’re here for.

📍Visit us at 1679 Vareb Mansion, Malate, Manila from Mondays to Sundays, 7 AM to 8 PM.

For inquiries, call or message us at (02) 7621-6027 / 0939-333-3334.

18/08/2025

👶✨ Expecting a little one? Start your journey with the right care!

Our HELLO BABY! Prenatal Lab Bundles are designed to support every stage of your pregnancy with essential tests bundled for your convenience. 💉🩺

📍 Visit us at 1679 Vareb Mansion, Malate, Manila
🕘 Open Mondays to Fridays, 8 AM to 5 PM
📞 For inquiries: (02) 7621-6027 / 0939-333-3334

12/08/2025

MEDICINES TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY OR BREASTFEEDING‼️

🚫 1. Ibuprofen (Advil, Medicol)

Why it’s risky:

In pregnancy: Especially in 3rd trimester – may affect baby’s heart and kidneys.

In breastfeeding: Can pass into breastmilk in small amounts.

Safer option: Paracetamol

——————————

🚫 2. Aspirin

Why it’s risky:

Can cause bleeding in both mother and baby, especially in late pregnancy.

Not ideal for breastfeeding either.

Safer option: Only use under doctor supervision; most avoid it unless medically necessary.

——————————

🚫 3. Certain Antibiotics

- Tetracycline – affects baby’s bone and teeth development
- Ciprofloxacin – can affect cartilage growth

Safer options: Amoxicillin, Cephalexin
(with doctor’s prescription)

——————————

🚫 4. Decongestants (like Phenylephrine, Pseudoephedrine)

Why it’s risky:

May reduce blood flow to the placenta

Can reduce milk supply during breastfeeding

Safer option: Saline nasal spray or steam inhalation

——————————

🚫 5. Acne or Skin Meds (Topical Retinoids, Isotretinoin/Accutane)

Why it’s risky:

Highly teratogenic (can cause birth defects)

Unsafe even before you get pregnant

Safer option: Azelaic acid

——————————

🚫 6. Herbal or “Natural” Supplements

Why it’s risky:

Just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s safe!

Examples to avoid: Ginseng, St. John’s Wort

Safer option: Prenatal vitamins only

——————————

Always consult a pharmacist or OB-GYN before taking any medicine while pregnant or breastfeeding.

📍 Visit us at 1679 Vareb Mansion, Malate, Manila
🕘 Open Mondays to Sundays, 7 AM to 8 PM
📞 For inquiries: (02) 7621-6027 / 0939-333-3334

11/08/2025

10/08/2025

Over-the-Counter ≠ Safe for All

Just because a medicine is available without a prescription doesn’t mean it’s 100% safe for everyone.

Here’s why you still need to be careful:

——————————

❗ PARACETAMOL (e.g. Biogesic, Calpol)

Risk: Too much can cause liver damage.

⚠️ Limit to 4 grams per day (usually 8 tablets of 500mg).

Be cautious if you’re taking other meds that also contain paracetamol (like flu meds or cough syrups).

——————————

❗ ASPIRIN (e.g. Aspilet, Bayer)

Risk: Can cause Reye’s Syndrome (a rare but serious condition) in children with viral illnesses.

⚠️ NEVER give aspirin to children or teens with fever unless specifically instructed by a doctor.

——————————

❗ ANTIHISTAMINES (e.g. Diphenhydramine, Chlorphenamine, Cetirizine)

Risk: May cause severe drowsiness, confusion, or dizziness — especially in seniors.

⚠️ Not advisable before driving or operating machinery.

——————————

🧠 Other Situations to Watch Out For:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding? Some OTC meds can harm your baby.
- Senior citizen? Your body may react differently to common doses.
- Taking maintenance meds? OTC drugs may interact dangerously.

💬 When in doubt, ask your pharmacist.
We’re trained to help you take meds safely and effectively.

📍 Visit us at Helal Pharmacy, 1679 Vareb Mansion, Malate, Manila.
🕘 Open Mondays to Sundays, 7 AM to 8 PM
📞 For inquiries: (02) 7621-6027 or 0939-333-3334

09/08/2025

📢 : Reminder to stay safe during flood season! 🌧️

Avoid wading through floodwaters whenever possible. 🚫 If it's unavoidable, be sure to wear protective boots, keep any open wounds clean and covered, and check for symptoms of leptospirosis immediately afterward. Stay vigilant and stay healthy! 🙏

Any concerns? Send DM!

08/08/2025

🥚 Eggs: From Villain to Hero! 🍳💪

Back in the 70s, eggs got a really bad rap. 🚫🥚 Doctors, researchers, and even the media warned that eggs could be dangerous for your heart because they contain cholesterol. Some even called them “poison” 😱.

Yes, eggs do have cholesterol — about 185 mg per egg, but here’s the twist:
🔬 Modern research proves that eating eggs doesn’t actually raise blood cholesterol levels for most people. In fact, they’re now seen as one of the healthiest, most affordable foods you can add to your diet! 🥳

💡 Nutritional Powerhouse in One Egg:
✅ Only 70 calories
✅ 6 to 8g protein to build muscles 💪
✅ Healthy fats
✅ Lecithin for cell health 🧬
✅ Choline for brain development 🧠
✅ Antioxidants like lutein & zeaxanthin for eye health 👀
✅ Skin-friendly phosphovitin ✨

🍳 How many eggs a day?
For healthy people, up to 2-4 eggs daily is perfectly fine, even for those with diabetes or heart risk factors, studies show no harmful effects. Moderation is key. 🥗

👍 So… let’s give the humble egg the respect it deserves! 🥚❤️

- Any concerns? We are here for you at Helal Medical Diagnostic and Pharmacy

07/08/2025

🚫 BAWAL ITIGIL BIGLA!

Some medications should NEVER be stopped abruptly — doing so can be dangerous.

Here's why, and which ones to watch out for:

💓 Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Medications
– Examples: Amlodipine (Norvasc), Losartan (Cozaar), Metoprolol (Betaloc)

Why not stop suddenly?
➤ Can cause rebound hypertension, chest pain, or even heart attack
➤ Blood pressure may shoot up without warning

🩸 Diabetes Maintenance Medications
– Examples: Metformin (Glucophage), Gliclazide (Diamicron), Insulin

Why not stop suddenly?
➤ Can lead to high blood sugar, fatigue, blurry vision, or diabetic complications
➤ Sugar levels may rise even if you “feel okay”

💊 Steroids
– Examples: Prednisone, Dexamethasone

Why not stop suddenly?
➤ Body becomes dependent on steroids to produce cortisol (a.k.a. Stress Hormone)
➤ Sudden stop may cause severe deficiency in cortisol called adrenal crisis — low blood pressure, fatigue, and even shock
➤ Should always be tapered down gradually with your doctor’s guidance

🧠 Antidepressants & Anti-Anxiety Medications
– Examples: Sertraline (Zoloft), Escitalopram (Lexapro), Diazepam (Va**um)

Why not stop suddenly?
➤ May cause withdrawal symptoms: dizziness, nausea, insomnia, mood swings
➤ Can trigger return or worsening of depression or anxiety

🛑 BOTTOM LINE:
Even if you're feeling better, never stop maintenance meds without guidance.

Your pharmacist or doctor will guide you through safe tapering or adjustments.

📣 When in doubt, ask us first before stopping your medication.

📍 Visit us at 1679 Vareb Mansion, Malate, Manila
🕘 Open Mondays to Sundays, 7 AM to 8 PM
📞 For inquiries: (02) 7621-6027 / 0939-333-3334

05/08/2025

BEFORE OR AFTER MEALS? 🍽️

We get this question every single day!

Here's a quick guide:

✅ TAKE BEFORE MEALS
(usually on an empty stomach for better absorption)

1. Iron Supplements
– E.g. Sangobion, Ferrous Sulfate
– Best absorbed on an empty stomach
– May cause nausea for some → take with small crackers if needed

2. Antacids (if taken for ulcers/gastric protection)
– E.g. Kremil-S, Gaviscon
– Neutralizes stomach acid before it builds up

3. Appetite Stimulants
– E.g. Buclizine
– Helps increase appetite if taken before eating

✅ TAKE AFTER MEALS
(to reduce stomach irritation or help digestion)

1. Pain relievers
– E.g. Mefenamic Acid (Dolfenal, Ponstan)
- E.g. Ibuprofen (Advil, Medicol Advance)
– These may cause gastric upset or ulcers if taken on an empty stomach

2. Antibiotics
– E.g. Amoxicillin, Co-Amoxiclav
– Best taken after meals to avoid stomach discomfort

If your doctor or pharmacist says “after meals,” it usually means 15–30 MINUTES AFTER eating. If it says “before meals,” take it 30 MINUTES TO 1 HOUR BEFORE.

💬 Still confused? Just ask us at the counter — that’s what we’re here for.

📍Visit us at 1679 Vareb Mansion, Malate, Manila from Mondays to Sundays, 7 AM to 8 PM.

For inquiries, call or message us at (02) 7621-6027 / 0939-333-3334.