Locally owned, locally staffed and locally loved!
BAY PHARMACY MOTUEKA
Bay Pharmacy Motueka is dedicated to making a positive difference in the community.
Supplying what your family needs for health and wellness - Our caring and professional team provides solutions and advice to promote health and wellness for our valued clientele.
Cold and Flu
Often people talk about having ‘the flu’. But what they actually have is a cold. Other times people may say they have a ‘heavy cold’ and what they are suffering from is influenza, or the flu.
Flu Season - getting prepared
The flu viruses that circulate can change from year to year. Completely new flu viruses can emerge and cause global pandemics. The official flu season runs from May to September, and although anyone can get the flu, it doesn’t mean you will definitely get it every year. People who are fit and well are better able to ward off the flu.
If you eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly and get enough sleep, your body will be in good shape to fight back against any invading flu virus. So, how do you get the flu? The flu is a viral infection passed from person to person via infected droplets commonly spread by sneezing and coughing.
Flu symptoms are severe and are not to be confused with cold symptoms – with the flu you often don’t have the energy to get out of bed. Some people are more at risk of getting the flu than others. The Ministry of Health has identified that certain groups are at higher risk of developing complications from flu viruses and are therefore eligible for a free flu vaccine. Come in and chat to us today to find out if you are eligible.
And remember that flu can cause serious complications, like pneumonia, which can be deadly. So look after your health – it is your most cherished possession.
How to tell if its a Cold or the Flu
Influenza is a serious viral infection that causes the death of many people each year. A cold is also caused by a virus, but is self-limiting. This means that although it is inconvenient and makes you feel miserable, it rarely causes any serious conditions to develop before the cold eases after about a week.
Common symptoms of both the flu and a cold include a cough, sore throat and tiredness. The flu is usually always accompanied by a high temperature lasting several days, whereas with a cold the temperature, if raised, is only at the initial stages of the infection. Headaches are very common with the flu, as is profound tiredness and aching limbs both severe and prolonged for several days, if not longer.
Generally with a cold the sore throat, congested sinuses and a hacking cough are the most prominent symptoms – starting with the sore throat, then as time goes by the congested sinuses and cough develop. Usually the onset of symptoms is gradual. When you get the flu the first symptom occurs very suddenly - usually a high temperature, headaches, extreme body aches and feeling completely exhausted. Those that have suffered from influenza will generally volunteer to have an annual flu vaccination from then on in order to lessen the possibility of feeling so dreadful again.
In order to treat influenza, there are medicines specifically available to prevent the infection worsening, if treated at once. See your doctor or community pharmacist the moment symptoms develop, as they can be prescribed or purchased over the counter at a pharmacy.
To treat the common cold, you need to seek treatment for each symptom, as specific anti-cold medicines or vaccinations are not available. No antibiotics will help a viral infection, so if bothered by a cough, blocked nose, sore throat and other symptoms of a cold, your community pharmacy can provide symptomatic relief for you and your family.
If the only symptom is a sore throat, then there is a possibility that a ‘strep’ or other bacterial infection is affecting the throat or tonsils. These bacterial infections should be promptly treated by antibiotics, especially when they occur in children. Untreated bacterial throat infections may cause infections or travel to the heart or other parts of the body and cause serious conditions later on. It is important to be urgently referred to a doctor for antibiotics to treat the infection.
Because both colds and flu share some symptoms it is easy to confuse the two, as they both occur more frequently in winter.
Consult your community pharmacist if you are unsure if you or your family may have a cold, the flu or a sore throat in order to ensure that the correct treatment is used to help assist a speedy recovery.
Post Viral Cough
Many people of all ages suffer from a dry and unproductive cough straight after suffering from a cold, flu or chest infection. Your cold may have cleared up, but your airways could still be irritated. And the worst is that cold drinks and cold air can set you off into a coughing frenzy.
The bad news is that this annoying cough - which is known by some as the 100 day cough - can last anywhere between three to eight weeks. In addition, antibiotics won’t work because the cough is generally a result of a recent viral infection. Sometimes the coughing fits can be so violent they cause hiccups or vomiting.
There is no formal cure for this cough but boosting your immune system, and sticking to a healthy lifestyle, can help prevent you from getting a cold which in turn leads to the cough.
In some cases, a cough can be the cause of other underlying problems like food allergies, medicine side-effects, an ear, nose or throat problem, or something more serious. If the cough gets worse or has not improved in a few weeks always consult your community pharmacist or GP.
Sore Throat
When your throat starts being scratchy, and it’s sore to swallow, then you know that a dreaded sore throat is on the way. And to add to your woes, suffering from a sore throat often comes hand in hand with other conditions like the common cold. Sore throats are a frequent condition and are a result of a bacterial or viral infection. When the throat becomes infected by bacteria or viruses, the body’s natural immune response to the infection leads to inflammation and pain.
Unfortunately, antibiotics are not normally effective in treating a sore throat because most cases of sore throats are caused by viruses. Sometimes antibiotics are recommended to prevent a secondary bacterial infection. To help prevent the discomfort of a sore throat, drink plenty of water, get lots of rest, eat a well balanced diet filled with fruits and vegetables and maintain a healthy mouth by brushing your teeth regularly.
You should visit us to out what medicines are available for helping with the pain. Pain relief may come in the form of tablets, throat gargles, throat sprays and lozenges. Products containing ibuprofen and aspirin are effective pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, however, these treatments aren’t safe for everybody. Check with us about what medicines are safe for you. Regular paracetamol also helps relieve pain and fever.
You should recover from a sore throat within seven days and begin to feel better after three days. If you have other medical conditions such as diabetes, have not recovered after seven days, if your young child or baby is sick, if you are unable to swallow water or saliva, or if you have neck pain, consult your doctor immediately.
Vaccines
Immunisation is one of the most effective medical interventions to prevent infections and has led to the decline of many serious, potentially lethal, diseases. There may be a charge for this service.
COVID-19 Vaccination
What you need to know
The majority of routine vaccinations can now be administered before, after, or at the same time as your COVID-19 vaccinations. The exception to this is the Zostavax (shingles) vaccine where a 7-day gap before or after receiving the Pfizer COVID-19 is advised. If you have any questions, please discuss with one of the pharmacists.
Learn more about Covid-19 here - here.
COVID-19 antiviral medication
Our pharmacists are qualified to supply COVID-19 antivirals without a prescription from your doctor. Antiviral medication to treat COVID-19 is available for eligible people who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are at risk of getting seriously ill. Please do not enter the pharmacy if you suspect you have COVID or have tested positive for COVID-19, rather phone our friendly staff and we will step you through the process.
Read more about COVID-19 antivirals access criteria here.
Paediatric COVID-19 medication
Parents and caregivers can get their 5 to 11-year-olds immunised against COVID-19 at our pharmacy. If children and young adults who have been vaccinated do develop COVID-19, they are far less likely to fall seriously ill and less likely to transmit the virus to others.
Learn more on the Covid Vaccination and Children on covid19.govt.nz.
Influenza (flu) Vaccination
Our friendly staff are fully trained and ready to support you with your annual Influenza Vaccine - whether you need to book an appointment or are after some advice.
Influenza is a serious viral infection that causes the death of many New Zealanders each year. Vaccination against seasonal influenza is available each year. Those most at risk of serious health complications from the flu are eligible for a free flu vaccine.
You can read more about Influenza here.
Medicine Management
Our medicine management service makes it simple to keep track of what you need to take and when. Ask about how we can pack your medicines for ease of use, according to the direction of your doctor.
Medicine Management Service
Do you struggle to keep track of which medicines to take throughout the day, and when to take them? We offer a medicine management service, in which we use compliance packing to pack your medicines according to the directions of your doctor, which may help you to better manage your medicines. Ask us about our medicine management service the next time you bring in a prescription, or prior to your next scheduled repeat.
A cost for a blisterpack service may apply.
Medicine & needles disposal service
Do you have expired or unused medications in your home, and want to know what to do with them? At our Pharmacy we will help you to dispose of them correctly. Medicines must be discarded of safely and a number of drugs require a specific type of disposal. We can help make sure your medicines don't end up in the wrong places.
Local Delivery Service
We offer a local delivery service. Request a prescription to be dispensed with us and we’ll be able to deliver it to your door. Get in touch if you want to know more about our local delivery schedule.
Prescription Repeat Reminder Service
Life gets busy. So, we offer a service to remind you about your next prescription repeat. Simply register at the pharmacy or give us a call and let us know how you’d like to be reminded, either via email, text message or phone call. We’ll notify you prior to your next scheduled repeat date, allowing you peace of mind.
Prescription Subsidy Cards
You may be eligible for a prescription subsidy card if you receive 20 or more prescription items within 12 months (1 February – 31 January). You can combine the number of prescriptions with members of your family, including your spouse and dependent children up to age 18. A prescription subsidy card entitles you to receive funded medicines without paying the standard co-payment, after 20 prescription items have been collected.
Speak to one of our pharmacists today to see if you qualify for a Prescription Subsidy Card.
Health Services
We are proud to offer our community professional and family focused health services to ensure your health and wellbeing needs are taken care of.
Women’s Health - You may have questions about your health – this is where we can help. Our pharmacists are educated about women’s health concerns such as menopause, period pain, vaginal thrush, urinary tract infections (UTIs) and weight gain. We can provide personalised advice and suggest relevant products or supplements to keep you feeling your best.
Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP)
Our pharmacists are trained to assess whether the ECP is appropriate for you. This is done in a confidential manner. The ECP can be taken to prevent pregnancy up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. Appointments are not required, and our accredited pharmacists can supply the ECP after a private consultation.
There is a charge for both the medicine and the consultation when you receive this service.
Selected oral contraceptives
We can renew your oral contraceptive prescription in the pharmacy, saving you a trip to the GP, if you’ve received an oral contraceptive prescription from your GP in the past three years.
Note: Only selected oral contraceptive medicines can be supplied by a pharmacist without a prescription from the GP. Other criteria may apply.
Speak to one of our pharmacists for more information or enquire below.
There is a charge for both the medicine and the consultation when you receive this service.
Early Medical Abortion (EMA) Phone Consultations
Our pharmacy participates in the dispensing of Early Medical Abortion (EMA) prescriptions. If you're thinking about having early medical termination of pregnancy, www.DECIDE.org.nz has the information you need about abortion services, abortion care, and can send a prescription to our pharmacy. Our expertly trained pharmacists will offer you a private and confidential consultation over the phone or in person.
A prescription fee will be applied if you opt to collect medication from our pharmacy.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Urinary Tract Infections are a common condition which typically affect women. Symptoms may include pain and a burning sensation when urinating, nausea and vomiting, pain in the lower back or sides, and even blood in the urine. If left untreated, UTIs can lead to serious complications, so it’s important to discuss any concerns with us once they arise.
Our pharmacists can provide advice and treatment for UTIs in women aged between 16 and 65 years, saving you a trip to the GP. Appointments are not required.
There is a charge for both the medicine and the consultation for this service.
Men’s Health - You may have questions about your health – this is where we can help. Our pharmacists are educated about men’s health concerns such as erectile disfunction, hair loss and weight gain. We can provide personalised advice and suggest relevant products or supplements to keep you feeling your best.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is more common than you may think, and – contrary to popular belief – is not a condition that you need to learn to live with. We can determine your suitability for ED medicines after a private consultation at our pharmacy. If suitable, we can supply your medicine on the same day, saving you a trip to the GP.
Appointments are not required, so drop in any time to speak with one of our accredited pharmacists.
There is a charge for both the medicine and the consultation for this service.
General Health - You may have questions about your health – this is where we can help.
Smoking cessation
Quit smoking for good with a personalised consultation from our pharmacists. There’s no need to book an appointment, and we can supply smoking cessation products to you in the same visit.
We carry a variety of Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products, most of which are fully funded, including lozenges, patches, gum, inhalers and mouth sprays. The supply of NRT products is subsidised when provided by a pharmacist.
There is a charge for the medicine and the consultation for this service.
Clozapine dispensing
Clozapine must be monitored regularly for potentially serious side effects and interactions. We work to ensure that patients receive appropriate monitoring, so dispensing is safe and without interruption to treatment.
Long-term conditions (LTC) service
We offer LTC services for patients who take multiple medicines for more than one chronic health condition, including:
reconciliation of prescriptions, to ensure your medication is always up to date
synchronisation of prescriptions to keep them aligned
the disposal of unused or expired medicine
regular contact with LTC patients
medicine management solutions such as compliance packaging of medicine
adjusting the collection of your medication to suit your needs
providing a medication card every time your prescription changes.
Speak to one of our pharmacists today for more information about our LTC services and if you qualify for the funded LTC service.
Medical Consultations for Common Ailments
Our pharmacists can provide personalised advice and suggest products to care for common health needs, including: Acid reflux disease, Allergic rhinitis, Calluses and corns, Cold sores, Contact allergic dermatitis (skin reaction from coming into contact with an allergen), Coughs and colds, Cuts, grazes and minor wounds, Dandruff, Dry eyes, Eye irritations, First aid, Fungal infections of the skin (such as Athlete’s Foot), Haemorrhoids, Hay fever, Impetigo/sores, Indigestion, Menstrual cramps, Mild acne, Mild headache, Mild hives (including bites and stings), Mild to moderate eczema, Minor burns, Minor joint pain, Minor muscle pain, Minor sleep disorders, Nasal congestion, Nausea, Non-infectious diarrhoea, Oral fungal infection (thrush), Oral ulcers, Pain relief, Sore throat, Sun burns, Threadworms and pinworms, Vaginal candidiasis (yeast infection), Warts (excluding facial and genital)
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Our accredited pharmacists can provide treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis. If a pharmacist deems that treatment is necessary, they can provide you with the most appropriate treatment, without you having to see a doctor.
Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) Dispensing & Support
Our pharmacy staff can administer methadone on a daily, or a takeaway basis, depending on what has been agreed with your doctor. Our experienced pharmacists are used to building rapport with regular clientele and have a discrete area in which to provide the service. We provide a non-judgemental service that recognises the potential damage stigma may cause this group of patients, their families, and significant others.
Warfarin
We offer an anticoagulation monitoring service to help you better understand and manage your warfarin medicine. The benefits of testing at our pharmacy include less pain (we only use a pinprick of blood from your finger; no blood is drawn), we provide instant results, we can adjust your warfarin dose on the spot, if needed.
You do not need an appointment.
Hepatitis C Support
Our accredited pharmacists can provide hepatitis C support in the pharmacy. We are accredited to dispense Maviret (glecaprevir and pibrentasvir) that has been prescribed by your doctor for the treatment of hepatitis C and are able to provide you with counselling to support your treatment. If you are eligible for publicly-funded medicines, there will be no pharmacy co-payment for Maviret patients.
Please contact us below or see us in store if you want to know more.
Medicinal Cannabis
Our pharmacy is registered to dispense medicinal cannabis. You will need a prescription from a registered prescriber (such as a doctor or nurse practitioner) in New Zealand before you can get any medicinal cannabis product. Our pharmacists are expertly trained to provide you with information on whether medicinal cannabis will be effective and safe for you to use, and also which product will best suit your needs in the safest way.
Extra Services
There are a few extra services that we offer that you might not find at many other Pharmacies which make us unique and shows our commitment to our community.
Passport Photos
Visit us today for instant passport or visa application photos. We can instantly print your photos and/or email a digital copy to you. You can use the photos for other indentification needs. We use the Department of Internal Affairs’ passport checking service to ensure the images meet the requirements.
No appointments required.
Ear Piercing
When considering a place to have your ears pierced, it’s important that it happens in a sanitary environment. Pharmacy teams have been piercing ears for many years, and have completed accredited training.
Visit Us
125 High Street, Motueka, New Zealand 7120
Hours (extended over Summer)
Monday–Friday
8:30am - 5:30pm
Saturday
9:00am - 1:00pm
Sunday
10:00am - 1:00pm
Phone
(03) 528 4196