Conditions (A-Z)

Arthritis is a term used for over 140 conditions that affect the joints. The most common symptoms experienced are sore, stiff joints and can affect almost any part of the body. Arthritis comes in many forms, the most common forms in New Zealand are  osteoarthritis, gout arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Respiratory health has shot to the spotlight recently and is a now a huge focus in both natural health and modern medicine. Avoiding smoking & maintaining an active lifestyle are some of the ways to help keep yourself healthy. 

Sometimes we need a bit of extra support.Here we stock a range of products dedictaed to supporting the respiratory system. 

Bites

The best remedy is protection. Choose from a range of repellants to protect yourself from sandfly and mosquito bites.

 Burns

Burns & scalds can happen in an instant. It's important to keep any burns clean to avoid infection as well as soothing the sting. 

Burns should always be assesed by a health care professional. For Major Burns or Scalds contact Emergency Healthcare or dial 111 in New Zealand.

Cold sores are an annoying problem that seem to catch us when we least want them or when we are run down. They can also pop up with over exposure to the sun. Cold sores are usually localised to the lip area.

Cold sores are managed by applying a cold sore cream directly to the affected area up to 5 times per day for the duration of the infection. It is important that you start applying the cream as soon as you feel the cold sore coming on. Cold sore patches have also become popular - these can assist you mask the appearance of your cold sore as well as containing the same active ingredient in cold sore creams which reduce the severity and duration of your cold sore attack.

For those that suffer from regular cold sores we recommend supplementing with Lysine. Lysine is an amino acid which can reduce the occurrence of cold sores and reduce the severity of cold sores when they occur.

If you are suffering from recurrent severe cold sores then visit your doctor to discuss alternate treatment options to assist you manage this condition.

Having a healthy digestive system is starting to be recognised for it's impact on overall health. While studies are still in their early stages the importance of digestive health is starting to become clear. Whether you need some extra support or just want to maintain your gut health, we’ve got a range dedicated to your digestive needs. 

Here we stock a range of products to help keep your ears healthy. From ear plugs to wax removal care, we've got something to suit almost everyone!

If you have an earache or any symptoms that concern you, please speak to our Pharmacist or your health care professional. 

Welcome to our Eye Care Category! 

Here you will find all things eye related, all at our everyday low prices! Whether you need something for sore and tired eyes or something more specialised, such as allergy drops, we've got you covered!

Fever

A fever is when your core body temperature is above 37.5C and usually occurs when your body is fighting an infection. If you are concerned about your fever, contact your healthcare professional.

Please see here for information regarding COVID-19 as a fever is a symptom of the virus. 

Take a step towards healthier feet with our Foot Care range! 

Whether you're looking for soothing creams, supportive insoles, or effective treatments for common foot concerns, we've got you covered. Explore trusted brands and essentials designed to keep your feet feeling great and looking even better.

We also stock a range of Orthotics & Orthotic Footwear, check the range HERE.

Pharmacist ONLY Medicines which may be prescribed by a Pharmacist after reviewing specific questions for each product

Posture is defined as the position in which someone holds their body when standing or sitting. Good posture entails distributing the force of gravity through our body so no one structure is overstressed. Poor posture is becoming more and more prevalent in todays society due to our sedentary lifestyles, this can lead to many different health complaints including joint pain, sore muscles etc. Check out our range of supports to help with good posture and overall health. 

From itchy, dry & irritated skin, to support for conditions such as Eczema, we stock a wide range of products to help with many skin conditions. 

If you have any symptoms that concern you, please contact our Pharmacist or your health care professional

Thrush is a fungal infection that affects the vagina, the mouth or the gastro-intestinal tract. It is caused by an overgrowth of candida and is treated by topical and/or oral anti-fungal medication. Thrush is often caused by a course of antibiotics which disturbs the natural balance of normal microbial flora - the “good bugs” that exists on our body.

If Thrush becomes an ongoing problem or is persistent then we recommend you visit your doctor to rule out other issues that cause Thrush like diabetes. It is also important to treat your partner if you are suffering from recurrent vaginal thrush as your partner may not be symptomatic but may be re-infecting you.

Cystitis

A bladder infection or cystitis is a common infection caused by bacteria that travel up your urethra into your bladder. They are more common in women because of the shorter urethra. Cystitis can be very painful and can become an ongoing issue for many women.

You will know when you have cystitis or a bladder infection because you will experience burning when passing urine, you will feel like passing urine more often and then only in small amounts, you many feel unwell with fever and chills. Occasionally you will find blood in the urine and it may be smelly.

Mild cases of Cystitis or bladder infections can go away without treatment. You should increase your intake of fluids, rest and take some pain relief. If you have a bladder infection you should avoid sex and using tampons.

You can get relatively fast relief from a bladder infection or cystitis by taking a urinary alkaliniser like Ural or a combination product like Cranclense that includes both a urinary alkaliniser as well as cranberry extract.Urinary alkalinisers will change the acidity in your bladder which will treat the stinging sensation when passing urine.

For those who have regular issues with cystitis or bladder infections then take a cranberry supplement like Cran Plus as it has been shown to assist with the prevention of infections.

Bladder infections or cystitis can become serious if they are not treated. If you find that your symptoms do not stop after a day, if you start to experience nausea and vomiting or diarrhoea, if you experience lower back pain or stomach pain, if you find blood in your urine or have an unusual vaginal discharge or you are pregnant then you should visit a doctor immediately.

Weight loss, Diet, lifestyle change... We have all been there at some point in our lives and you may be looking at a change in your lifestyle right now! Whether you want to lose a few kgs, put on some weight or for medical/personal reasons - you need to lose or gain a bit, Pharmacy Direct can help.

We have a range of shakes, supplements, bars, soups, desserts to help you on your weight management journey. Simply click on one of the categories below to find out which one suits your lifestyle change the most. Before undertaking any eeight loss programme, it is advisable to consult your Healthcare Professional prior to starting any programme.