A blood pressure check is a simple, quick, and non-invasive procedure to measure the force of blood against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. It involves placing an inflatable cuff around your upper arm, which is then tightened and slowly released while a device measures your systolic (pressure when the heart beats) and diastolic (pressure when the heart rests) blood pressure.

Why You Should Get a Blood Pressure Check:

1. Early Detection of Hypertension: Regular checks can identify high blood pressure (hypertension) early, a condition often without symptoms but a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
2. Prevention of Serious Health Issues: Monitoring blood pressure helps prevent complications like heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and vision loss.
3. Monitoring Existing Conditions: If you have conditions like hypertension or heart disease, regular checks help manage and adjust treatment plans effectively.
4. Assessing Treatment Efficacy: For those on blood pressure medications, regular checks ensure the treatment is working as intended.
5. Overall Health Awareness: Knowing your blood pressure helps you stay informed about your cardiovascular health and take proactive steps in maintaining it.
6. Lifestyle Adjustments: Regular monitoring can motivate healthier lifestyle choices, such as improved diet, increased physical activity, and stress management.

Regular blood pressure checks are a crucial part of maintaining good health and preventing long-term health issues.

A blood sugar test is used to test people for type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is a condition characterised by high blood sugar (glucose) levels. It is caused by a lack or insufficiency of insulin which regulates the way glucose is used in your body. You should consider a blood sugar test if you experience symptoms of diabetes such as

• Constantly feeling thirsty or hungry
• Unexplained weight loss
• Frequent urination
• Blurry vision
• Extreme fatigue

This is especially the case if you any of the risk factors apply to you including being overweight, family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, lack of exercise, over 40 years old or high cholesterol. The American Diabetes Association recommends testing for prediabetes and risk for future diabetes for all people beginning at age 45 years. If tests are normal, it is reasonable to repeat testing at a minimum of 3-year intervals.

A person’s BMI, or body mass index, is one way of measuring whether you are a healthy weight for your height. Body Mass Index is calculated using a person’s weight in kilograms (kg) divided by the square of height in meters (m2). Initially used as a statistical index of health and weight for a population group, BMI can be used to show the weight categories that may lead to health problems but it is not diagnostic of the body fatness or health of an individual. Nonetheless, your BMI is a good indication of whether you are a healthy weight, and if not, how over or underweight you are.

BMI	Classification
Less than 18.5	Underweight
18.5 - 24.9	Normal Weight
25 - 29.9	Overweight
Over 30	Obese

Obesity is currently a worldwide problem, with overweight (body mass index ≥25 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) estimated at 35% and 12% of the overall adult population, respectively. We can assist with weight loss steps by evaluating potential obesity-related diseases; obtaining a weight history, identifying patient triggers and screening for medications that may influence weight gain. Plus, we can evaluate and track weight and height in calculating your body mass index (BMI).

Cholesterol is a soft, waxy fat that body needs to function appropriately. However, too much cholesterol can lead to heart disease, atherosclerosis, or stroke. A cholesterol test can be used to measure the amount of “good” and “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides, a type of fat, in the blood. A cholesterol test can help determine your risk of the accumulation of plaques in your arteries that can lead to narrowed or blocked arteries throughout your body. High cholesterol levels often are a significant risk factor for coronary heart disease. Because, high cholesterol usually causes no signs or symptoms, a cholesterol test. is done to determine whether your cholesterol is high and estimate your risk of developing heart attacks and other forms of heart disease and diseases of the blood vessels. Adults at average risk of developing coronary artery disease should have their cholesterol checked every five years. More-frequent testing might be needed if your initial test results were abnormal or if you already have coronary artery disease, you are taking cholesterol-lowering medications, or you're at higher risk of coronary artery disease because you:

• Have a family history of high cholesterol or heart attacks.
• Are overweight.
• Are physically inactive.
• Have diabetes.
• Eat an unhealthy diet.
• Smoke cigarettes.
• Are a man older than 45.
• Or a woman older than 55.

Cholesterol control often requires lifestyle changes. Not only can we check your cholesterol, we can also give you advice on making lifestyle changes to get cholesterol to healthy levels and keeping them normal. Apart from monitoring diet, an active lifestyle can help to lower cholesterol levels and research suggests about 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week can help to improve cholesterol levels.

If you’ve had unprotected sex, or if your usual contraception has let you down — a condom breaking, a missed pill — emergency hormonal contraception can help prevent an unplanned pregnancy. The sooner it’s taken, the more effective it is, so please don’t delay.

You don’t need a prescription, and you don’t need to see your GP. Just come in to us. We’ll look after you privately and without judgement — we want to make sure you get the right help quickly and comfortably.

Which option is right for you?

• Levonorgestrel (e.g. NorLevo) — effective up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex; works best when taken as soon as possible
• Ulipristal acetate (e.g. EllaOne) — effective up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex, and maintains its effectiveness throughout that window

 

Is it free?

Emergency hormonal contraception is available free of charge if:

• You are aged 17 to 35 (inclusive) and ordinarily resident in Ireland — covered under the HSE Free Contraception Scheme
• You hold a valid medical card — regardless of age

If neither of those applies to you, the medication is still available to purchase directly from us. Your pharmacist will have a brief, private conversation with you to make sure you receive the most appropriate option. Everything you share with us stays completely confidential.

Menopause and perimenopause can bring significant changes — hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes, disrupted sleep, and more. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is one of the most effective treatments available to relieve these symptoms and improve quality of life. Since June 2025, HRT is now available free of charge in Ireland for eligible women, through a state-funded scheme. If you have been prescribed HRT by your GP, you can collect your medication directly from us at Pharmacy O’Regans.

What is HRT?

HRT works by replacing hormones — primarily oestrogen — that naturally decline during menopause. It is available in a range of forms to suit different needs and preferences, including tablets, patches, gels, sprays, and vaginal treatments. HRT is not suitable for everyone, and your GP will advise on whether it is appropriate for you based on your medical history.

Is it free?

HRT is available free of charge if you meet the following criteria:

• You hold a valid Medical Card, or
• You are registered with the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS)

  The DPS card is available to all residents living in Ireland — it is not means-tested and covers the full cost of your HRT medication and pharmacy dispensing fees. If you are not already registered, you can apply using your name, date of birth, PPS number, and address. Please note: the scheme covers the cost of HRT medication at the pharmacy, but does not cover GP consultations or diagnostic appointments.

How it works

1. Speak to your GP about your symptoms and obtain a prescription
2. Ensure you have a Medical Card or DPS card — our team at Pharmacy O’Regans can advise if you need to apply
3. Bring your prescription to us
4. Collect your HRT medication — free of charge

  If you are already on HRT and collecting repeat prescriptions, simply bring your prescription in to Pharmacy O’Regans as normal.

What to expect at the pharmacy

Our pharmacists at Pharmacy O’Regans are happy to answer any questions you have about your HRT, including how to use your medication, what to expect, and any potential side effects. If you have concerns about whether HRT is right for you, we would encourage you to speak to your GP in the first instance.

All consultations are private and confidential. If you have any questions about the scheme or your eligibility, please do not hesitate to speak with one of our team at Pharmacy O’Regans.

Using our instant digital photo equipment, we can offer the following professional photo services.

• Passport Photos (Standard & Online)
• Driving License Photos
• PSV License Photos
• American Passports and Other Nationalities
• Taxi License Photo
• Passport Photos for toddlers (2yrs plus) & children
• Garda ID Photos

Taxi License Photos
We print passport-style photographs, each measuring 10cm by 7cm as per taxi driver license requirements, showing your head and shoulders and complying with standards for passport photographs.

Passport Photos (Standard & Online)
We print and check that developed photos meet all requirements of the Irish Passport Office, both for print and online versions.

Please Note: This Service can be found in all our current locations with the exception of Tallaght

Getting vaccinated every year is the most effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones from flu and COVID-19. Both vaccines are available at O’Regan’s Pharmacy, and in many cases are free of charge. The flu season runs from October through to April — we recommend getting vaccinated as early in the season as possible. You can receive both vaccines at the same appointment if you are due both.

Please note: The HSE reviews and updates eligibility criteria for free flu and COVID-19 vaccines each season. The groups below reflect the core at-risk categories that consistently qualify. Please speak with our pharmacist or check with us directly to confirm your eligibility in the current season..

Children’s Flu Vaccine — Nasal Spray

Younger children are eligible for a free flu vaccine under the HSE programme each season, with the eligible age range reviewed and confirmed annually. For most children, this is given as a nasal spray (Fluenz) — a quick, pain-free alternative to an injection. School-age children may also be offered the vaccine through their school. An injectable vaccine is available for children who cannot receive the nasal spray for medical reasons. Please bring your child’s PPS number to their appointment.

Adults’ Flu Vaccine — Injectable

The injectable flu vaccine is available free of charge each season for adults in at-risk groups. Those who consistently qualify include:

•  Older adults — the qualifying age threshold is confirmed by the HSE each season
• All pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
• All healthcare workers
• Carers providing ongoing care to a person with a chronic condition or disability in the home
• Adults with an underlying health condition, including: chronic respiratory disease (including COPD, cystic fibrosis, moderate or severe asthma), chronic heart, liver, kidney or neurological disease, diabetes, cancer, immunosuppression, a condition affecting breathing, a high BMI, or Down Syndrome
• Household contacts of people with underlying chronic health conditions or Down Syndrome
• People in regular contact with pigs, poultry or waterfowl
• Residents and staff of long-stay facilities

If you do not fall into any of the above categories, a private flu vaccine is also available — please ask our team for details. Please bring your PPS number to your appointment.

COVID-19 Vaccine — Seasonal Booster

COVID-19 booster vaccines are recommended each season for those most at risk of serious illness. The vaccine is updated annually to protect against currently circulating strains. A booster is recommended free of charge for those in higher-risk groups, which typically include:

• Older adults — the qualifying age threshold is reviewed by the HSE each season
• Residents of long-term care facilities
• All pregnant women
•  Adults with immunocompromise or a medical condition associated with a higher risk of severe COVID-19
• Healthcare workers in the groups listed above

A minimum interval is required between your last COVID-19 vaccine or infection and your booster — our pharmacist will advise you on the current recommendation. If you have a weakened immune system, more than one dose per year may be recommended; please speak with our pharmacist or your GP for guidance.

Every year in Ireland, nearly 6,000 people die because of smoking with many more suffering from smoking related diseases. The HSE estimates that 1,000 people are admitted to hospital every week with an illness caused by smoking. In our pharmacy, we help smokers break nicotine addiction by recommending Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). NRT comes in many different forms including patches and gums. It is important that the right option is chosen to suit individual needs. Evidence has shown that if a smoker participates in a smoking cessation service that combines advice, support, and Nicotine Replacement Therapy that the smoker is 4 times more likely to quit compared to using willpower alone.

Methadone is a Schedule 2 controlled substance which is used in the treatment of opioid addiction as substitution or maintenance therapy. The service is provided within a broader treatment protocol, accompanied by regular reviews and reassessment.

We ensure that patients using our service have all information and advice necessary for the proper use of the drug. This includes general information about methadone, directions of use, common side effects, actions to be taken if a dose is missed, and interactions with alcohol and other drugs.

The ingestion of methadone occurs in our private consultation room and is supervised by a pharmacist.

Please Note: This Service can be found in all our current locations with the exception of Clontarf