Ask us before you stack three night products

Sometimes yes, sometimes genuinely not, and the answer depends on which medicine, which dose and what else is on the list. Blood thinners, blood pressure medicines, thyroid medicine, epilepsy medicine, antidepressants, diabetes medicine and the pill are the ones that most often matter.

Herbal and traditional products count. So do supplements. 'Natural' says nothing about whether something interacts.

This is the most common accidental double we see. A sedating antihistamine, a night-time pain product containing the same class, a herbal formula and a glass of wine add up to more sedation than anyone intended.

Same problem with cold and flu combinations: two products, one shared active ingredient, and a paracetamol dose over the daily limit without anybody noticing. Read the actives, or bring the boxes and we will.

Trainers know training. They are not able to see your kidney function, your medicine list or your history, and most of the risky stacks we come across arrive with that sentence attached.

We are not going to be rude about it. Just bring the recommendation and we will tell you what is registered, what is unproven, what interacts and what is a waste of money.

Ask every time, including for herbal products and supplements. Doses for children are by weight and age, and adult products should not be split down.

Some medicines must not be stopped suddenly. If you are thinking of stopping something — because of cost, side effects or because you feel fine — talk to us or your doctor first. We would far rather have that conversation than find out at the next repeat.

Bring everything: scripts, over-the-counter products, vitamins, herbal and traditional formulas, sports supplements, anything a friend gave you. Private room, no queue behind you, and a written list at the end of what to keep, what to drop and what to ask your doctor.

A new symptom after starting anything, a rash, swelling of the face or lips, breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, or unusual bleeding or bruising — stop and get seen immediately. Otherwise book a pharmacist consult or WhatsApp us your script and we will come back to you ourselves.