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Treatment and medication – articles and advice

Features on treatments and medicines, with advice on choices and patient experiences. For detailed reference, see our Patient Information Leaflets on treatment and medications.

Three assorted pill bottles with medication and supplements spilling out against a pink background.

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Pink tablets scattered on a green surface beside a white weighing scale and a yellow measuring tape.

Treatment and medication

Foundayo pill: a new oral weight management tablet

by Dr Caroline Butler

St John Ambulance logo.

Treatment and medication

What to do if someone is choking - first aid advice from St John Ambulance

by Victoria Raw

Stethoscope and bottle of pills (capsules) on a transgender flag representing trans gender health care (such as puberty blockers or gender affirming care)

Treatment and medication

Puberty blockers: what the evidence says, and why scientists are still studying them

by Thomas Andrew Porteus, MBCS

steroids

Treatment and medication

Steroid side effects you should know about

by Josh Alderman

Cosmetic surgery

Cosmetic surgery is an elective medical operation chosen to change physical appearance for aesthetic reasons, rather than to treat a disease or fix a physical health problem.

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End of life care

End of life care is about comfort and dignity. Discover how services support patients and families through symptom control, emotional care, and decision making.

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First aid

Accidents happen anywhere. Learn essential first aid skills that can help you treat common injuries and potentially save a life in an emergency.

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Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy is a type of complementary mind-body therapy that uses guided relaxation and focused concentration—known as hypnosis—to help people change habits, ease stress, and manage medical symptoms.

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Medicine information

Medicines help manage or cure many conditions. Learn about how they work, common side effects, and why taking them as prescribed matters.

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Mental health medicines

Antidepressants are medications that treat symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other conditions by affecting brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine.

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Mental health therapy

Mental health therapy, also called talking therapies or psychological therapies, involves working with a trained professional to talk through thoughts, feelings, and behaviours to improve mental and emotional well-being.

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Pharmacy services

Pharmacies provide services such as dispensing prescription and over-the-counter medications, offering clinical advice for minor illnesses, and conducting health checks like blood sugar and blood pressure testing.

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Physiotherapy

A physiotherapist is a healthcare professional who helps people affected by injury, illness, or disability through movement, exercise, manual therapy, education, and advice.

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Surgery and procedures

Surgery can range from minor outpatient procedures to major operations. Learn what to expect, how to prepare, and what recovery involves.

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Therapy

Therapies include physical, psychological, and occupational approaches. Learn how therapy can help you recover, manage pain, or improve mental wellbeing.

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Weight loss treatments and surgery

When diet and exercise aren’t enough, treatments or surgery may help. Learn about weight loss options and what to expect from each approach.

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