Pharmacist’s tips for the summer

Read health centre pharmacists’ tips for the summer season. You can always contact the pharmacy for medication-related advice.
Kaivopuiston pienvenesatama.
Photo: Helsingin kaupunki

Renew your prescriptions in time in MyKanta

Renewing prescriptions in the MyKanta(Link leads to external service) service at omakanta.fi is simple. For example, you can renew your regular prescriptions received from a health centre at MyKanta. Remember to renew your prescriptions in time.  

When travelling abroad or to a summer cottage

You should always take a prescription report with you when travelling abroad. A prescription summary printed from MyKanta, prescription patient instructions or an English copy of a prescription available from a pharmacy will act as a report. However, it is a good idea to check the import restrictions of your destination country and required medication reports from local customs in advance.

You can find more information at kanta.fi/ulkomailla(Link leads to external service) 

If you live away from home, such as at a summer cottage, for a prolonged period of time you can also use the local health centre services for regular injections and control appointments, for example. 

Store medication correctly

Paying attention to proper storage of medication is important in the summer be it at home, summer cottage or whilst boating. Improperly stored medication, in conditions too warm, light or humid, may become less effective. Always refer to the label or leaflet for storage instructions.

Remember to protect yourself from the Sun 

Protecting the skin from harmful UV radiation is important. However, if you do happen get a sunburn, it should be treated like any other mild burn. Lukewarm water can be used to cool the skin and a cold drink can help you feel better and prevent dehydration. Hydrocortisone cream available from the pharmacy can be applied to the skin and over-the-counter painkillers can be taken if necessary.

Read more at Terveyskirjasto(Link leads to external service)

Stay hydrated 
 
It is important to keep hydrated during hot weather. Particularly the elderly and people with underlying health conditions should make sure they drink enough water. Effervescent tablets are also available at the pharmacy which dissolve in water and help replenish salts and sugars after a strenuous workout, for example.

Read more on the THL website(Link leads to external service)

Relieve insect bites

Mild reactions caused by mosquito, black fly, horse fly and deer fly bites can be treated with over-the-counter creams and oral antihistamines. Pharmacy staff will help you choose the right product.