FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Ozempic vs. Mounjaro: What’s the difference?
Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are both once-weekly injectable medications used for Type 2 diabetes and, in many cases, weight management. The main difference is how they work: Ozempic targets one hormone (GLP-1), while Mounjaro targets two (GLP-1 and GIP). Because of this dual action, many patients find that Mounjaro can lead to greater appetite control and more weight loss, although individual results vary.
Both medications help lower blood sugar, reduce cravings, slow digestion, and improve long-term diabetes control. The choice between them depends on your medical history, insurance coverage, side effects, and your doctor or pharmacist’s recommendation.
If you’re unsure which option is right for you, we can help review your medications and discuss the pros and cons of each.
Signs of vitamin deficiency (B12, Vitamin D, Iron)
Vitamin deficiencies are common and can cause symptoms that people often mistake for stress, aging, or a busy lifestyle.
B12 deficiency may cause tiredness, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, poor concentration, memory issues, mood changes, pale skin, or a smooth sore tongue.
Vitamin D deficiency often shows up as fatigue, low mood, bone or muscle aches, frequent colds, hair thinning, and general low energy, especially in winter.
Iron deficiency can cause extreme tiredness, shortness of breath, dizziness, pale skin, headaches, cold hands and feet, and cravings for ice or non-food items in severe cases.
If you have these symptoms, a simple blood test can check your levels. Our clinic and pharmacy team can help guide testing, supplements, and safe treatment options.
Tylenol vs. Advil which should I take?
Tylenol (acetaminophen) is best for fever, headaches, and general pain. It is gentle on the stomach and safe for most people, including those who cannot take anti-inflammatory medications.
Advil (ibuprofen) helps with pain caused by inflammation, such as muscle aches, back pain, menstrual cramps, joint pain, and injuries. It also reduces fever, but it can irritate the stomach and should be used carefully in people with kidney issues, stomach ulcers, or certain heart conditions.
In general:
Use Tylenol if you need something easier on the stomach or if you have medical conditions where anti-inflammatories are not recommended.
Use Advil when inflammation is the main cause of the pain and you need stronger relief.
If you’re unsure, ask our pharmacy team and we can help guide you based on your symptoms and medical history.
10 medications you should never mix
Some medications can interact and cause serious side effects when taken together. Below are common combinations people should avoid without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.
Ibuprofen + certain blood pressure medications
This includes ACE inhibitors (like ramipril) or ARBs (like valsartan). The combination can strain the kidneys and reduce blood pressure control.
Warfarin (blood thinner) + aspirin or ibuprofen
This can greatly increase the risk of bleeding.
Metformin + contrast dye used for CT scans
This combination can affect kidney function. Metformin often needs to be paused before certain imaging tests.
Statins (cholesterol medications) + certain antibiotics
Macrolide antibiotics like clarithromycin can increase the risk of muscle damage when taken with statins.
ACE inhibitors (ramipril, lisinopril) + potassium supplements
This can raise potassium to dangerous levels and affect the heart.
Blood thinners (Eliquis, Xarelto) + NSAIDs (Advil, naproxen)
This combination increases the risk of major bleeding.
Antidepressants (SSRIs/SNRIs) + migraine medications (triptans)
Taking them together may raise serotonin too high, which can be dangerous.
Alcohol + acetaminophen (Tylenol)
This increases the risk of liver damage, especially with regular use.
Certain antihistamines + sleep medications
Combining sedating antihistamines (like Benadryl) with sleeping pills can cause excessive drowsiness and breathing problems.
St. John’s Wort + many prescription medications
This herbal supplement can interfere with birth control, antidepressants, HIV medications, and others by speeding up how the body breaks them down.
Always check with a pharmacist before starting something new, especially if you take multiple medications or supplements. Our team is available to review your prescriptions and help keep your treatment safe.
How to use an inhaler properly
Using an inhaler the right way helps the medication reach your lungs and work effectively. Many people do not get the full benefit because of small technique mistakes. Here is an easy step-by-step guide.
Most inhalers need to be shaken before each puff to mix the medication properly.
Emptying your lungs first helps you breathe the medication in deeply.
Seal your lips around the mouthpiece. If you have a spacer, attach the inhaler to it and breathe through the spacer instead.
Press down on the inhaler once and breathe in gently and deeply at the same time. A slow breath is important so the medication reaches your lungs instead of staying in your throat.
Hold your breath for about 10 seconds or as long as comfortable. This helps the medication settle in your airways.
Breathe out gently through your mouth or nose.
If another dose is needed, wait about 30 seconds to a minute, then repeat the steps.
If your inhaler contains a steroid (like Flovent, Symbicort, Pulmicort), rinse and spit after each use to prevent sore throat or oral thrush.
If you’re unsure about your technique, our pharmacy team can do a quick inhaler check and show you the proper method in person.
Seasonal allergies: best treatments
Seasonal allergies can cause sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, and congestion. The best treatment depends on your symptoms and how often they occur.
Antihistamine tablets such as cetirizine, loratadine, or fexofenadine help with sneezing, itching, and runny nose. They work quickly and usually last all day.
Nasal sprays such as fluticasone or mometasone are very effective for congestion, sinus pressure, and overall allergy control. They work best when used every day during allergy season, not just when symptoms appear.
Antihistamine eye drops can reduce itchy, watery eyes.
Saline rinses help wash pollen out of your nose and reduce irritation.
If symptoms are severe or not controlled, combination therapy or prescription options may be needed. Our pharmacy team can help choose the right treatment and make sure it is safe with your other medications.
Which vaccines are free in Ontario?
Ontario offers several vaccines at no cost through pharmacies and public health programs. The flu vaccine is free every fall for anyone 6 months and older. COVID-19 vaccines are also free for all eligible age groups. Adults can receive a free tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis booster once every 10 years. Seniors 65 and older qualify for a free pneumococcal vaccine. Students receive several free routine vaccines under the school immunization schedule.
Vaccines such as shingles (for adults under 65), travel vaccines, and some boosters are not covered. If you’re unsure about coverage, our pharmacy team can review your age, health history, and insurance to help you understand which vaccines are free and which require payment.
Common cold vs. flu how to tell the difference
The common cold usually comes on slowly with a runny nose, mild cough, sneezing, and a low fever or no fever at all. The flu starts suddenly and often causes high fever, strong body aches, chills, severe fatigue, and a dry cough. Colds are usually mild, while the flu can make you feel very sick and can last longer.
If symptoms worsen after a few days, last more than 7–10 days, or involve breathing difficulty or chest pain, it is important to seek medical advice. Our pharmacy team can help you choose safe over-the-counter treatments and guide you on when you may need further care.
When a Headache Needs Medical Attention
Most headaches are tension-related and improve with rest, hydration, or mild pain relievers. However, headaches with fever, vision changes, weakness, stiff neck, or sudden severe pain require medical evaluation.
Visit our clinic if your headaches become frequent, interfere with daily life, or happen along with dizziness or nausea. We can assess possible causes and offer treatment options.
Is It Food Poisoning or a Stomach Virus?
Food poisoning usually starts quickly (within hours) after eating and often includes vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. A stomach virus develops more slowly and lasts 1–3 days with nausea, fever, and tiredness.
If symptoms include blood in stool, severe dehydration, or last more than 3 days, seek care. Our team can guide you on safe hydration solutions and when medical attention is needed.
When Is a UTI an Emergency?
A urinary tract infection typically causes burning, frequent urination, and lower abdominal discomfort. If you develop fever, back pain, nausea, or vomiting, it could be a kidney infection and requires urgent care.
Our pharmacists can guide you on when to see the doctor and what symptoms need prompt attention.
Understanding Chest Congestion vs. Shortness of Breath
Chest congestion from a cold often feels heavy but you can still breathe normally. Shortness of breath, wheezing, or tightness in the chest may indicate asthma, bronchitis, or another condition that needs medical attention.
Our clinic team can check oxygen levels, lung sounds, and recommend appropriate treatment.
Ear Infection or Just Ear Pain?
Ear pain during a cold is common and often improves on its own. A true ear infection may cause fever, irritability (especially in children), reduced hearing, or fluid draining from the ear.
If pain lasts beyond 48–72 hours or includes high fever, a clinician should evaluate it. Our pharmacy can help recommend safe pain relief and next steps.
Heartburn or Something More Serious?
Occasional heartburn is common and often triggered by heavy meals, spicy foods, or lying down right after eating. Persistent or daily heartburn may be a sign of acid reflux (GERD).
If you have trouble swallowing, weight loss, vomiting, or chest pain, seek medical evaluation. Our pharmacy can help recommend safe over-the-counter options and lifestyle changes.
Sinus Infection vs. Sinus Congestion
Congestion from a cold usually improves within a week. A sinus infection may cause thick yellow/green mucus, facial pain, pressure around the eyes, and symptoms lasting more than 10 days.
If symptoms feel severe or persistent, our clinic can evaluate whether antibiotics or other treatments are needed.
Is Pneumonia Contagious?
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that causes cough, fever, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Some types of pneumonia are contagious, while others are not.
Contagious types:
These spread through coughing, sneezing, and close contact.
Not contagious:
How long are you contagious?
Viral pneumonia can be contagious for a few days. Bacterial pneumonia usually stops being contagious 24–48 hours after starting antibiotics. Walking pneumonia can spread even with mild symptoms.
When to seek care:
If you have high fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or symptoms lasting more than a few days, it’s important to be evaluated.
Our clinic and pharmacy team can help assess your symptoms, recommend treatment, and guide you on when further care is needed