613-440-9199 613 Longfields Drive, Unit 106, Ottawa, ON K2J 6J2

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Health Education

Your Ottawa Pharmacy Health Blog

Expert health advice, pharmacy news, and practical guides from the team at Longfields Pharmacy in Nepean, Ottawa. Empowering you to make informed decisions about your health.

Latest Articles

Practical, trustworthy health information written by your community pharmacists.

Inside Longfields Pharmacy Nepean Ottawa

Community Health

March 25, 20264 min read

Best Pharmacy in Nepean Ottawa — Why Patients Choose Longfields

Looking for the best pharmacy in Nepean or Ottawa? Discover why Longfields Pharmacy stands out for personalized service, expert pharmacists, blister packs, MedsCheck, and convenient location.

Passport and travel essentials — travel vaccines Ottawa

March 20, 20266 min read

Travel Vaccines for Cuba, Mexico & the Caribbean — Ottawa Guide

Travelling to Cuba, Mexico, or the Caribbean from Ottawa? Learn which travel vaccines are recommended, what medications to pack, and how Longfields Pharmacy can help you travel safely.

COVID booster at Longfields Pharmacy Nepean Ottawa

March 15, 20265 min read

COVID Booster in Nepean Ottawa — Do You Still Need One?

The latest guidance on COVID-19 boosters for Ottawa residents: who should get one, which vaccine is recommended, how often, and where to get your booster in Nepean.

Medication Safety

March 8, 20265 min read

Generic vs. Brand Name Medications — Are They Really the Same?

Generic medications must meet the same standards as brand-name drugs, but many patients still have questions. A pharmacist explains what generics are, how they are tested, and when brand may matter.

Medication disposal at Longfields Pharmacy Nepean Ottawa

Community Health

March 1, 20264 min read

Medication Disposal Ottawa — How to Safely Dispose of Old Prescriptions

Don't flush old medications or throw them in the garbage. Learn how to safely dispose of unused prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs in Ottawa through the Take Back program at Longfields Pharmacy.

Semaglutide injection pen — Ozempic and Wegovy in Canada

Medication Management

February 20, 20267 min read

Ozempic and Wegovy in Canada — What Ottawa Patients Need to Know

Semaglutide shortages, cost, ODB coverage, and what to do if you can't get your Ozempic prescription filled in Ottawa. A pharmacist's guide to navigating GLP-1 medications in Canada.

Diabetes management at Longfields Pharmacy Ottawa

Diabetes Management

February 15, 20268 min read

Managing Type 2 Diabetes Medications — A Pharmacist's Guide for Ottawa Patients

From metformin to Ozempic: a complete guide to Type 2 diabetes medications, how they work, sick day rules, hypoglycemia, A1C targets, CGM devices at Longfields, and free MedsCheck for diabetes.

MedsCheck consultation at Longfields Pharmacy Nepean Ottawa

Medication Management

February 10, 20265 min read

What Is MedsCheck? Free Medication Reviews in Ontario

MedsCheck is a free government-funded service that gives Ontario patients a one-on-one medication review with their pharmacist. Learn who qualifies and what to expect at Longfields Pharmacy.

Pharmacist handing blister pack to senior patient at Longfields Pharmacy Ottawa

February 5, 20265 min read

Blister Packs for Seniors — How They Reduce Missed Doses

Nearly 50% of seniors don't take their medications correctly. Learn how blister packaging works, who benefits most, and how Longfields Pharmacy's free blister pack service can improve your health.

Colourful medication pills — dangerous medication combinations

Medication Safety

February 1, 20266 min read

Dangerous Medication Combinations to Avoid

Some drug combinations can be dangerous or even life-threatening. A pharmacist explains the most important medication interactions to be aware of and how your pharmacy protects you.

Shingrix vaccine at Longfields Pharmacy Nepean Ottawa

January 25, 20266 min read

Shingrix Vaccine Ottawa — Who Needs It and What Does It Cost?

Shingles affects 1 in 3 Canadians. Shingrix is over 90% effective at preventing it. Learn who should get the Shingrix vaccine at 50+, how it compares to Zostavax, cost in Ontario, and how to book at Longfields.

Vitamins and supplements at Longfields Pharmacy Ottawa

Health & Wellness

January 20, 20266 min read

Vitamins for Brain Fog — What Actually Works?

There are hundreds of supplements claiming to sharpen your mind. A pharmacist separates the evidence-based options from the hype, covering B vitamins, omega-3s, magnesium, and more.

What causes brain fog and can your pharmacist help — Longfields Pharmacy Ottawa

January 15, 20265 min read

Brain Fog and Memory Issues — When Should You See a Pharmacist?

Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, mental fatigue — many medications and health conditions cause brain fog. Learn when a pharmacist can help and what questions to ask.

Smoking cessation support at Longfields Pharmacy Nepean Ottawa

Smoking Cessation

January 10, 20267 min read

How to Quit Smoking in Ottawa — Champix, NRT, and Pharmacist Support

A complete guide to quitting smoking with evidence-based tools: nicotine replacement therapy patches and gum, Champix (varenicline), Zyban, Ontario's free cessation program, and pharmacist quit coaching at Longfields.

Annual flu shot at Longfields Pharmacy Nepean Ottawa

October 15, 20255 min read

Why You Need a Flu Shot Every Single Year

Why does the flu shot need to be repeated annually? Learn about influenza virus mutation, antigenic drift and shift, how WHO selects vaccine strains, high-dose flu shots for seniors 65+, and common flu shot myths debunked.

Flu shot at Longfields Pharmacy Nepean Ottawa

October 1, 20255 min read

Where to Get a Flu Shot in Nepean Ottawa

Skip the wait at a walk-in clinic. Find out why your local pharmacy is the fastest, most convenient place to get your annual flu shot in Nepean and Ottawa — and who qualifies for a free OHIP flu shot.

Minor ailments clinic at Longfields Pharmacy Nepean Ottawa

September 15, 20256 min read

Minor Ailment Pharmacist Ottawa — What Can a Pharmacist Treat?

Ontario pharmacists can now assess and prescribe for 19 minor ailments — no doctor's appointment needed. Learn which conditions qualify, how the program works, and how to access it at Longfields Pharmacy.

Questions About Your Health?

Our pharmacists are here to help. Call us, walk in, or request a free medication review — no appointment needed for most services.

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