Nyquil, Nyquil, My Kingdom for Nyquil!
One aspect of moving to the UK, which I didn't think about, was all the differences in the prescribed and over-the-counter drugs. I'm currently battling a nasty cold. I would normally take Tylenol and Claritin for daytime relief and Nyquil for getting a good night's sleep in New York.
Those products don't exist here.
I have an anaphylactic reaction to anything containing aspirin so I have to read labels very carefully. It took me three days and a few discussions with pharmacists to discover that paracetamol is what acetaminophen is called here. That was a huge relief because for a while, I didn't know if I'd be able to take any pain relievers at all! Claritin exists here, but is spelled differently. Nyquil? No such animal, nothing even similar exists here. Even the cough remedies are behind the counter at the pharmacies so one needs to know what all the active ingredients are in each preparation. There's nothing as simple as Robitussin DM, a brand that also doesn't exist here. I tried taking Actifed here to clear my sinuses and put me to sleep. I didn't read the label and assumed it was the same product as at home. Nope. It contains Sudafed as well. Sudafed is a stimulant so instead of getting a good night's sleep, I was awake for the entire night.
I think I finally have a handle on the products that I'll need for myself. However, now I understand that when I start working with patients, I'll really need to research the meds that they are on and not make any assumptions based upon my experiences back in the states. The results could be tragic. Time to find a UK PDR!
On the work front, my national insurance number has been issued! They won't give it to me over the phone though, only by the postal service. The postal service is on strike.
I guess I'm supposed to be learning a life lesson on patience.