Treatments, explained simply

Aciclovir, valaciclovir and famciclovir — treating cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles on the NHS: doses, side effects, and when to start.

How antacids and other reflux medicines work, what they treat, and when to see a GP about heartburn.

What antibiotics are, what they treat, why they don't work for everything, and how to use them safely.

NHS antidepressants explained — SSRIs, SNRIs, how they work, common side effects, starting and stopping safely, and when to seek help.

What antifungal medicines treat, the different types, and how to use them effectively.

What antihistamines are used for, the difference between drowsy and non-drowsy types, and how to use them.

What aspirin is used for — pain relief, heart attack prevention, and safe use in the UK.

A plain-English guide to medicines for high blood pressure — types, how they work, and what to expect.

What cataract surgery involves, what to expect on the day, recovery and the risks — explained in plain English and reviewed by a consultant eye surgeon.

How the combined and progestogen-only contraceptive pills work, benefits, risks, and what to expect when starting.

How COVID-19 vaccination works in the UK — who is eligible, how often to have it, and common side effects.

What decongestants do for a blocked nose, who should be careful, and why short-term use matters.

Morning after pill and copper IUD — how emergency contraception works, where to get it, and how effective each option is.

Who should have the flu vaccine in the UK, how it works, side effects, and where to get it free on the NHS.

NHS and pharmacy treatments for hair loss — minoxidil, finasteride, and when they work, side effects, and realistic expectations for male and female pattern baldness.

How menopause HRT works, types including oestrogen-only and combined, benefits, risks, and what to expect when starting on the NHS.

What ibuprofen and other NSAIDs are used for, who should be cautious, and how to use them safely.

What inhalers are, the difference between reliever and preventer types, and how to use them well.

Types of laxatives, how to use them safely for constipation, and when to see a GP instead.

What metformin is used for, how to take it safely, common side effects, and who it suits in type 2 diabetes and PCOS.

What oculoplastic and orbital surgery covers — the eyelids, tear ducts and eye socket — and what to expect, reviewed by a consultant eye surgeon.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole and lansoprazole — what they treat, how to take them, side effects, and safe long-term use.

What oral rehydration salts are, when to use them for diarrhoea and vomiting, and how they work.

What paracetamol is used for, how to take it safely, and the importance of not exceeding the dose.

Who should have the shingles vaccine in the UK, how it prevents shingles, and what to expect after vaccination.

PDE5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction — Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil): how they work, dosing, NHS access, side effects, and safety with heart medicines.

How squint surgery straightens the eyes in children and adults, what to expect, recovery and risks — reviewed by a consultant eye surgeon.

What statins are, why they are prescribed, their benefits and side effects, and how they are used.

What steroid creams are, what they treat, and how to use them safely on the skin.

What steroid nasal sprays treat, how to use them properly, and why technique and patience matter.

NHS testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) — gels, patches, and injections for hypogonadism: who qualifies, monitoring, side effects, and fertility warnings.

NHS-prescribed weight loss medicines explained — orlistat, semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro): who qualifies, how they work, and side effects.