What are the online business that a pharmacist can do?

There are some ideas for online businesses that a pharmacist can do:

1. Online Pharmacy: A pharmacist can start an online pharmacy where customers can order prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications online. The pharmacist can partner with a licensed pharmacy to dispense the medications and handle the shipping.

2. Health and Wellness Blog: A pharmacist can start a health and wellness blog where they can share their knowledge and expertise on various health topics. They can monetize the blog through advertising, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing.

3. Online Consultation: A pharmacist can offer online consultation services to patients who need advice on their medications or health conditions. They can use video conferencing or chat platforms to communicate with their clients.

4. Nutritional Supplements: A pharmacist can start an online store selling nutritional supplements and vitamins. They can source high-quality products from reputable manufacturers and offer personalized recommendations to their customers.

To start an online business as a pharmacist, you will need to:

1. Research the market and identify a niche that you can serve.

2. Develop a business plan that outlines your goals, target audience, marketing strategy, and financial projections.

3. Register your business and obtain any necessary licenses and permits.

4. Build a website or online store where customers can find your products or services.

5. Market your business through social media, email marketing, and other online channels.

6. Provide excellent customer service and build a loyal customer base.

There are several platforms that you can use to collaborate with other businesses or professionals in your industry. Some popular options include LinkedIn, Facebook Groups, and Slack communities. You can also attend industry conferences and events to network with other pharmacists and healthcare professionals.

General tips on how to join industry-based communities and attend networking events.

1. Research and identify relevant industry-based groups and communities: Start by researching and identifying groups that are relevant to your industry. You can use online resources such as social media, LinkedIn, and other professional networking sites to search for relevant groups.

2. Join online groups or communities: Once you have identified relevant groups or communities, join them online. Most online communities or groups have clear instructions on how to join, so follow the instructions and become an active member of the group.

3. Attend networking events: Check upcoming events and participate in local or national events. You can also use online platforms to search for events or meetups related to your industry.

4. Build relationships with other members: Build relationships with other members of the group. You can start by connecting with other members, asking questions, and sharing your experiences. This can help you build a network of trusted colleagues and mentors.

5. Stay active and engaged: Stay active and engaged in the community by sharing your knowledge, asking questions, and participating in discussions. Attend events regularly, and take advantage of all opportunities to network and learn.

6. Be respectful and professional: Always present yourself in a professional way and respect other members of the community. Building a strong reputation in the industry and among your peers is essential to success.

Overall, joining industry-based communities and attending networking events can help you build valuable relationships, expand your knowledge, and open doors to new opportunities. Take advantage of all opportunities to network and grow your career.

What are the job opportunities available as a registered pharmacist in Malaysia?

Traditionally, a typical registered pharmacist can work in the following industry:
1. Community pharmacist
2. Hospital pharmacist
3. Clinical pharmacist
4. Pharmaceutical sales representative
5. Research and development pharmacist

Since the onset of COVID-19, it has become apparent that there are many work-from-home (WFH) opportunities available for pharmacists in Malaysia, some of the options include:
1. Medical writing
2. Tele-pharmacy services
3. Pharmacy benefit management (PBM)
4. Drug safety and pharmacovigilance
5. Virtual clinical trials

In addition to working for established companies in the private sector, government-linked companies, or multinational corporations, pharmacists can also collaborate with stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry. Regarding collaboration partners, you can explore opportunities with individuals or organizations related to the pharmaceutical industry, such as:
1. Healthcare technology startups
2. Pharmaceutical companies
3. Biomedical research institutions
4. Health policy advocacy groups
5. Healthcare consulting firms

To find potential collaborators, pharmacists can use various online platforms such as:

1. LinkedIn, you can use the search function to find people or organizations related to the pharmaceutical industry in Malaysia. You can also join groups related to healthcare or pharmacy to expand your network and seek out collaboration opportunities.
2. Twitter: Use hashtags and search for industry-specific conversations and connect with influential people in your industry.
3. Facebook Groups: There are several groups specific to industries and professions.
4. Instagram: Follow industry leaders and engage with their content.
5. Reddit: Find subreddits relevant to your industry and participate in discussions.
6. Meetup: Join industry-specific meetup groups and attend events.
7. Slack: Join industry-specific slack groups and network with other professionals.
8. Quora: Participate in industry-specific conversations and connect with experts in your field.

Click here for more details on general tips on how to join industry-based communities and attend networking events.

Overall, pharmacists have a range of job opportunities available to them, both traditional and WFH, and can also build their own businesses through collaborations with stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry. By joining industry-based communities and attending networking events, pharmacists can expand their network and knowledge, and increase their chances of success in their careers.

Hair-loss causes & treatments in summary

Hair loss is a common symptoms nowadays and it isn’t just limited to the ageing populations. The younger generations are also facing these problems as well. There are a few factors which cause hair loss prevalence:

1. Family history (heredity). The most common cause of hair loss is a hereditary condition that happens with aging.

2. Hormonal changes and medical conditions.

3. Medications and supplements.

4. Radiation therapy to the head.

5. A very stressful event.

6. Hairstyles and treatments.

 

 

What is the best treatment for men's hair loss?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two medications to treat male pattern baldness:

1. Minoxidil (Regro) - Regro is available OTC as a liquid or foam.

2. Finasteride (Propecia, Proscar) - Finasteride is a pill that you need to take1 tab once daily after food.

 

What is a good treatment for hair loss in women?

Minoxidil (Regro) 5% is the only topical medication approved by the FDA for female-pattern hair loss. The once daily use foam treatment regrows hair in 81% of the women who try it. Liquid options of 2% and 5% solutions are available over the counter.

 

Which vitamin and methods is good for stop hair fall?

1. Biotin (vitamin B7) is important for cells inside your body. Low levels of it can cause hair loss, skin rashes, and brittle nails.

2. Massage. Massaging the scalp, which can be used in conjunction with hair oils and masks, stimulates the scalp and may improve hair thickness .

3. Aloe vera. Aloe vera has long been used for treating hair loss.

4. Coconut oil

5. Fish oil

6. Ginseng

 

 

Travel Bag Checklist for Malaysian Travellers

Pack for a Healthy Trip (For Malaysians)

Over-the-counter medicines (For local or overseas trip)

• Diarrhea medicine (Imodium) 
• Antacid (Gaviscon sachet)
• Antihistamine (Cetirizine (non-drowsy) for day use & Piriton (Sleepy) for night use)
• Motion sickness medicine (Novomin (drowsy) / Veloxin (sleepy))
• Cough drops, cough suppressant, or expectorant (Fishermen Friend Loz / Difflam Cough Loz / Duro-tuss Exp)
• Decongestant (Clarinase Tab)
• Pain and fever medicine (Acetaminophen, Aspirin, or Ibuprofen)
• Mild laxative (Dulcolax Tab)
• Mild sedative or sleep aid (Piriton Tab)

Supplies to prevent illness or injury (For local or overseas trip)

• Hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol) or antibacterial hand wipes 
• Water purification tablets 
• Insect repellent (with an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin) 
• Sunscreen (with UVA and UVB protection, SPF 15 or higher) 
• Sunglasses and hat 
• Condoms 
• Earplugs

First-aid kit (For both local & overseas trip)

• 1% hydrocortisone cream 
• Antibacterial or antifungal ointments (Antiseptic Cream) 
• Digital thermometer 
• Oral rehydration salts (ORS) 
• Antiseptic wound cleaner (Yellow Lotion / Iodine Solution / Normal Saline) 
• Aloe gel for sunburns 
• Insect bite anti-itch gel or cream (Mopiko) 
• Bandages / handiplasts for wound dressings 
• Disposable gloves 
• Cotton swabs 
• Tweezers 
• Eye drops (Eye Mo)

Prescription medicines (For both local and overseas trip)

• Your prescriptions 
• Travelers’ diarrhea antibiotic (Doxycyline) 
• Medicines to prevent malaria (Doxyxyline)

Medical supplies (for patients with related illness) (For both local & overseas trip)

• Glasses and contacts
• Diabetes testing supplies
• Insulin
• Inhalers

Documents (For those who travel overseas)

• Copies of your passport and travel documents 
• Copies of all prescriptions (medications) 
• Health insurance or medical card 
• Contact card with the street addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of family member 
• Lodging at your destination 
• Hospitals or clinics (including emergency services) in your destination

My New Online Shop

After covid-19, economy has been very bad and my boss had sold all his pharmacy biz to a big chain pharmacy. I was down for few months and can feel the pinch too. During the post-covid and pre-GST transition period, everything become so expensive and it becomes a burden to our life especially those with family. After a few thoughts, i decided to open up my online biz where you guys can get everything easily online and at cheaper and more affordable price.

My Shopee shop link

My Shopee shop direct link

Hopefully this online platform can help you guys to get things that you need at affordable prices and most importantly very convenient at fingertips.

Drugs safe in pregnancy & breastfeeding

 

Since the past decade, i works as a community pharmacy in Malaysia, many walk-in customers coming asking for medicines safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding. We have to be very careful in prescribing medicines to these group of patients as most of the medicines are under Category C, D & X where these drugs are not suitable in pregnancy use.

To make it simplify, we as a pharmacist got to refer to The MIMS Pregnancy Safety Index.

 

Definition of risks factors

As defined by US FDA, drugs in categories D, X and some cases C may pose some risks to foetus.

Category A: Controlled studies have not demonstrated a foetal risk. (in other words, VERY SAFE)

Category B: In animal-reproduction studies have not demonstrated a foetal risk but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women.

Category C: Studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on foetal.

Category D: There is positive evidence of human foetal risk

Category X: Studies in animals or human beings have demonstrated foetal abnormalities. (In other words, the drug is contraindicated in pregnant women).

Below are the summary of the drugs that are commonly prescribed by pharmacists.

Drug safe in Pregnancy Drug safe in breastfeeding Pain relief Pain Relief Paracetamol Paracetamol   Ibuprofen   Naproxen     Antimicrobial Antimicrobial Amoxicillin (Ospamox) Fluconazole (Diflucan / Fukole)   Miconazole cream (Zarin Cream)   Clotrimazole cream (Candazole Cream)   Amoxicillin (Ospamox)   Cephalexin     Antihistamine Antihistamine Loratadine (Ezede/ Clarirtyn/ Avorious) Loratadine (Ezede/ Clarirtyn/ Avorious) Cetirizine (Zyrtec) Fexofenadine (Telfast/ Fexovid)   Cetirizine (Zyrtec)       Birth Control Pills   Progestin-only contraceptives (Noriday)     Gastric medications Gastric Medications Alginates (Gaviscon Liq) Famotidine Omeprazole (Promesec) Cimetidine   Alginates (Gaviscon Liq)       Antidepressants   Paroxetine (Apo-Paroxetine / Seroxat CR)   Sertraline (Zoloft)   Fluvoxamine (Luvox)     Constipation Constipation Lactulose (Duphalac / Lactul) Lactulose (Duphalac / Lactul)     Anti-diarrhoea Anti-diarrhoea Loperamide (Lomide) Loperamide (Lomide)
References: MIMS
Disclamer: Please consult your healthcare professionals like doctors, pharmacists for more details.