Foinikas Pharmacy FAQ
Syros Island

Bee and wasp stings are common across Greece, particularly in rural and coastal areas of Syros where wild thyme, scrubland, and olive trees are abundant. Greece has a notably high rate of insect venom sensitisation.

For a normal sting reaction:

• 1If a bee sting is visible, scrape it out sideways with a fingernail or card — do not squeeze, as this injects more venom.
• 2Wash the area with soap and water.
• 3Apply a cold compress (ice wrapped in a cloth) to reduce swelling and pain.
• 4Take an oral antihistamine (e.g. cetirizine or loratadine) to reduce itching and localised swelling. Hydrocortisone cream can also help.
• 5Take paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain relief.

Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can be triggered by insect stings, certain foods (shellfish, nuts), medications (penicillin, NSAIDs), or latex. It typically develops rapidly — within minutes of exposure.

Warning signs include:

• ✦Sudden swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or face
• ✦Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or a tight feeling in the chest
• ✦Skin reactions — hives, widespread flushing, or pallor
• ✦Rapid or weak pulse, dizziness, or sudden drop in blood pressure
• ✦Nausea, vomiting, or loss of consciousness

Act immediately: call 166 (EKAV ambulance service). If the person has a prescribed adrenaline auto-injector (EpiPen or Jext), administer it into the outer thigh without delay. Lay the person flat with legs raised (unless they are having difficulty breathing, in which case sit them upright). A second dose can be given after 5–15 minutes if symptoms do not improve.

Foinikas Pharmacy stocks adrenaline auto-injectors and can advise on carrying and using one if you or a family member has a known severe allergy.

Mosquitoes are active throughout the Greek islands from late spring to autumn, typically most aggressive at dusk and dawn. The species present in the Cyclades include Culex pipiens, which can in rare cases carry West Nile virus — though the risk on island locations like Syros is significantly lower than in mainland wetland regions.

For standard bites: apply a soothing antihistamine or hydrocortisone cream directly to the bite to reduce itching. Oral antihistamines (cetirizine, loratadine) help with widespread or particularly reactive bites. Avoid scratching — it increases the risk of infection and scarring.

Prevention at the pharmacy: Foinikas Pharmacy stocks DEET-based repellents, icaridin (Picaridin) sprays, and natural alternatives (citriodiol, lemon eucalyptus). For children, products with lower DEET concentrations or icaridin are preferred. Plug-in electric repellent devices and room sprays are also available for indoor protection.

Seek medical advice if: a bite becomes infected (increasing redness, warmth, pus), or if fever, headache, or flu-like symptoms develop within a week of being bitten.

The Aegean waters around Syros are home to several creatures capable of causing painful stings, particularly in summer:

Weever fish — the most commonly encountered marine sting in Greek waters. These small fish bury themselves in sandy shallows with only their venomous dorsal spines exposed. Stepping on one causes instant, severe burning pain that can last several hours.

• 1Immerse the affected foot or hand in water as hot as you can tolerate (around 40–45°C) for 30–90 minutes. Heat breaks down the venom and provides significant pain relief. This is the single most effective treatment.
• 2Do not use ice — cold makes the pain worse and slows venom breakdown.
• 3Remove any visible spine fragments carefully with tweezers, then disinfect the wound.
• 4Take an antihistamine and a painkiller for ongoing discomfort.

Mauve stinger jellyfish (Pelagia noctiluca) — the most significant jellyfish hazard in the Aegean, appearing in late summer blooms. Invisible trailing tentacles deliver an intense burning sting. Rinse with seawater (never fresh water), remove tentacles with a card or gloved hand, then apply hot water or a heat pack.

Sea urchins — very common around Syros's rocky coastline. Spines must be removed carefully (olive oil can help soften the skin around them). Seek pharmacy advice on antiseptic treatment.

Prevention: wear water shoes when walking in sandy shallows. Shuffle feet rather than stepping down firmly to disturb buried weever fish before you stand on them.

Yes — scorpions are present throughout Greece, including Syros. They favour dry stone walls, rock piles, and dark sheltered areas, and are most active in warm months. They tend to hide in shoes, clothing, and bags left on the ground overnight.

Practical precautions on Syros: always shake out shoes and clothing before wearing them after leaving outdoors. Be cautious around the island's traditional dry stone walls, which are a natural scorpion habitat. Check under rocks or debris before sitting.

If stung: wash the area with soap and water, apply a cold compress, and take a painkiller. Scorpion stings in Greece are painful but rarely dangerous to healthy adults. If tingling spreads to the extremities, vision becomes blurred, or muscle spasms develop, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Elderly patients, those with heart conditions, and young children are at greater risk of a serious reaction and should be assessed medically after any scorpion sting.

The Mediterranean black widow spider (Latrodectus tredecimguttatus) is present in Greece, including the Cyclades. It favours dry, undisturbed areas — long grass, old stone walls, and agricultural land. Bites are uncommon but have been recorded across Greece in summer months and can cause a serious condition known as latrodectism.

Symptoms of a widow spider bite include: severe muscle cramps (particularly in the abdomen and back), heavy sweating, tremor, weakness, and nausea. The bite site itself may initially appear minor. Symptoms typically develop 30 minutes to 2 hours after the bite and should never be managed at home.

If a widow spider bite is suspected: seek emergency medical attention immediately. Do not attempt to treat at home. If possible, photograph the spider for identification. Treatment requires medical-grade analgesia and, in severe cases, antivenin.

Other common spiders in Greece may cause localised pain and swelling but are not medically significant. If you are unsure what bit you, the pharmacist can help assess whether further medical attention is needed.

Greece's climate creates long, intense pollen seasons — significantly worse than most of northern Europe. The Cyclades, including Syros, have particularly high concentrations of allergenic plants:

Olive trees (Olea europaea) — a major allergen throughout the Mediterranean. Olive pollen season peaks in May and June and can cause severe rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma. Syros has significant olive cultivation across the island interior.

Grasses — peak from April through June, often overlapping with olive season and compounding symptoms.

Parietaria (pellitory-of-the-wall) — a weed that grows prolifically on old stone walls, which are ubiquitous on Syros, and produces pollen almost year-round in warm Mediterranean climates. It is a significant and underappreciated allergen for both residents and visitors.

Management: ideally start antihistamines and nasal corticosteroid sprays before the season begins. Foinikas Pharmacy can advise on suitable antihistamines, nasal sprays (e.g. mometasone, fluticasone), and eye drops for pollen conjunctivitis. Those whose asthma is triggered by pollen should ensure their reliever inhaler is in date and immediately accessible.

Greek cuisine presents several specific allergy risks worth knowing, particularly on Syros:

Sesame — used extensively in Greek baking, particularly in breads, pastries (koulouri, paximadi), and dips. Sesame allergy is now classified as a major allergen under EU law.

Tree nuts and pine nuts — commonly used in traditional dishes, stuffings, and desserts (baklava, spanakopita variants). Cross-contamination risk is high in traditional Greek kitchens.

Shellfish and fish — a cornerstone of island cooking on Syros. Those with shellfish or finfish allergies should exercise extra caution in tavernas and at local fish markets.

Dairy — Greek cuisine is rich in cheese and yoghurt. Syros is particularly known for its local graviera and San Michali cheeses — a PDO product of the island — so dairy appears in many dishes, often unlabelled.

Gluten — traditional Greek food is heavily wheat-based, and cross-contamination in small island kitchens is frequent. Coeliacs should be cautious with homemade dishes and shared fryers.

Foinikas Pharmacy can ensure your antihistamine supply is adequate and that your adrenaline auto-injector prescription is current before dining out.

A good range of antihistamines is available over the counter from Foinikas Pharmacy:

Non-drowsy (second generation) — preferred for daytime use:

• ✦Cetirizine (Zyrtec, Zirtec) — fast-acting, once daily, suitable for adults and children over 6.
• ✦Loratadine (Clarityne) — once daily, very well tolerated, suitable from age 2.
• ✦Fexofenadine — non-drowsy, once or twice daily, suitable for adults and children over 6.

Sedating (first generation) — useful for night-time symptoms or severe itching:

• ✦Chlorphenamine (Piriton) — fast-acting but causes significant drowsiness. Do not drive after taking.
• ✦Promethazine — longer-acting, useful for severe night-time itching or acute allergic reactions.

Topical options: antihistamine creams and hydrocortisone 1% cream are available for localised itching from insect bites and minor rashes.

Foinikas Pharmacy can advise on the most suitable option based on your symptoms, age, and any other medications you are taking.

Each medication has a specific approved use. Foinikas Pharmacy can explain the primary indication (the condition it treats), as well as any common secondary uses your doctor may have prescribed it for. For example, some antidepressants are also prescribed for chronic pain, and some blood pressure medications treat anxiety. Always clarify with your pharmacist if you are unsure why you have been prescribed a particular medicine.

Dosage depends on your age, weight, kidney function, and the condition being treated. Foinikas Pharmacy can display the dose written on your prescription and flag if it falls outside standard guidelines. For paediatric or elderly patients, it can highlight weight-adjusted dosing. Always follow your doctor's prescription — never adjust your dose without consulting a healthcare professional.

Some medications must be taken on an empty stomach (e.g. levothyroxine, bisphosphonates), while others require food to avoid stomach upset (e.g. ibuprofen, metformin). Certain medicines interact with specific foods — for instance, grapefruit can interfere with statins and some calcium channel blockers. Foinikas Pharmacy will flag any relevant food and drink interactions when dispensing your prescription.

Foinikas Pharmacy can list the most frequently reported side effects (those affecting more than 1 in 10 patients) as well as rare but serious ones worth watching for. It will also advise when you should stop the medication and seek medical attention immediately — for example, if you experience an allergic reaction such as rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

The guidance depends on the medication. For most drugs, take the missed dose as soon as you remember — unless it is almost time for the next one, in which case skip it and continue your normal schedule. Never double up doses. Some medicines (e.g. contraceptive pills, anticoagulants) have specific missed-dose protocols that Foinikas Pharmacy will explain precisely.

Foinikas Pharmacy can check stock for bioequivalent generic alternatives to branded medications. Generics contain the same active ingredient at the same dose and are equally effective, but are often significantly cheaper. In Greece, EOPYY reimbursement may differ between branded and generic options. Foinikas Pharmacy will display the cost difference and whether substitution is permitted under your prescription.

Duration varies widely. Antibiotics must be completed in full, even if symptoms resolve early. Chronic condition medications (e.g. antihypertensives, statins) are typically taken indefinitely. Pain relievers are usually short-term. Foinikas Pharmacy will display the duration specified on your prescription and remind you when a repeat prescription will likely be needed.

Foinikas Pharmacy cross-references all medications in your patient profile against known drug–drug interaction databases. Interactions are flagged as minor, moderate, or severe. For example, combining warfarin with aspirin significantly increases bleeding risk, and mixing certain antidepressants can cause serotonin syndrome. The pharmacist will always be alerted to severe interactions before dispensing.

Alcohol interacts with many common medications. It can enhance sedation with antihistamines, benzodiazepines, and opioids; increase the risk of stomach bleeding with NSAIDs; cause a dangerous flushing reaction with metronidazole; and affect blood sugar control with diabetes medications. Foinikas Pharmacy will advise whether to avoid alcohol entirely or whether moderate consumption is considered safe.

Yes — but this is important to check. St John's Wort, for instance, reduces the effectiveness of contraceptive pills, anticoagulants, and HIV medication. Garlic, ginkgo, and fish oil can increase bleeding risk when combined with blood thinners. Magnesium and iron supplements can reduce the absorption of antibiotics such as tetracyclines. Always inform the pharmacist of any supplements you are taking.

Some painkiller combinations are safe and even recommended. Paracetamol and ibuprofen work differently and can safely be alternated or combined for short-term pain. However, two NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen + naproxen) should never be taken together as this significantly increases the risk of stomach ulcers and kidney damage. Two opioids together can cause dangerous respiratory depression. Foinikas Pharmacy will guide you based on your specific situation.

Storage requirements vary. Most tablets and capsules should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight — a bedroom drawer is better than a bathroom cabinet (which is humid). Insulin, certain eye drops, and some antibiotics must be refrigerated (2–8°C). Once opened, some refrigerated medicines can be kept at room temperature for a limited period. Foinikas Pharmacy will include storage instructions on the dispensing label.

It depends. Most solid-dose tablets remain reasonably potent for a period after expiry, but some medications degrade in ways that can be harmful — notably liquid preparations, eye drops, insulin, and certain antibiotics like tetracycline. As a general rule, do not use expired medicines. Bring them to the pharmacy for safe disposal through the ΣYΔΕΣ collection scheme.

Not all tablets can be split or crushed. Modified-release, enteric-coated, and sublingual tablets must never be crushed as this destroys the delivery mechanism and can cause overdose or render the medicine ineffective. Scored tablets (with a line down the middle) are generally safe to split. Foinikas Pharmacy can advise whether your specific tablet is suitable for splitting or crushing — particularly relevant for patients with swallowing difficulties.

Medication safety in pregnancy is categorised using risk classifications. Many commonly used drugs are considered safe (e.g. paracetamol for short-term pain), while others — including ibuprofen, tetracyclines, warfarin, retinoids, and ACE inhibitors — carry significant risks to the foetus. Foinikas Pharmacy will flag any pregnancy contraindications and recommend you speak with your obstetrician or GP before taking any new medicine.

Many medications pass into breast milk in small amounts. Most are considered safe, but some — such as certain antibiotics, sedatives, and chemotherapy agents — may not be. Foinikas Pharmacy references current LactMed and European guidelines to advise on breastfeeding compatibility, and can suggest safe alternatives where needed.

Many adult medications are not licensed for use in children below certain ages. For example, aspirin is contraindicated in children under 16 due to the risk of Reye's syndrome. Foinikas Pharmacy will check whether the medication is suitable for the child's age and weight, and calculate the correct paediatric dose where applicable. Always use weight-based dosing for children rather than adult doses.

Many medications are metabolised by the liver or excreted by the kidneys. Impaired organ function can cause drug accumulation and toxicity. For example, NSAIDs can worsen kidney function, and some antibiotics require dose reduction in renal impairment. If your patient profile flags a relevant condition, Foinikas Pharmacy will alert the pharmacist to review the prescription before dispensing.

Several medications can affect blood glucose levels. Corticosteroids raise blood sugar significantly. Some beta-blockers can mask the symptoms of hypoglycaemia. Certain antibiotics (notably fluoroquinolones) can cause dangerous blood sugar swings. Foinikas Pharmacy will flag any medications that may interfere with diabetes management and advise on monitoring frequency.

Colds and flu are caused by viruses, so antibiotics will not help. Recommended OTC options include: paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever and aches, saline nasal sprays for congestion, lozenges or throat sprays for sore throat, and antihistamines for runny nose. Rest and hydration are equally important. Foinikas Pharmacy can recommend products available in stock and check them against your current medications.

For mild nausea, domperidone or metoclopramide (short-term) can help. For diarrhoea, oral rehydration salts are the priority — especially in children and the elderly — alongside loperamide for symptom relief. For bloating or indigestion, simethicone or antacids are suitable. Foinikas Pharmacy can recommend the most appropriate option based on your symptoms and check for interactions with your current medicines.

Yes. Antibiotics are prescription-only medicines (POM) throughout the EU, including Greece. They cannot legally be dispensed without a valid prescription. This is to prevent antimicrobial resistance, which is a serious public health concern. If you believe you have a bacterial infection, please consult a doctor who can assess whether antibiotics are appropriate and issue an e-prescription through IDIKA.

Yes. Emergency contraception (levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate) is available directly from Greek pharmacies without a prescription. It is most effective when taken as soon as possible — ideally within 72 hours of unprotected sex (levonorgestrel) or within 120 hours (ulipristal). The pharmacist can advise on which option is appropriate based on timing and any other medications you are taking.