People with diabetes, asthma and high blood pressure issued medication warning
Individuals taking widely-prescribed medications for conditions such as high blood pressure, asthma, and diabetes are being cautioned to store them correctly as the UK heatwave persists this weekend.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has advised that high temperatures can impact medicines and their efficacy, while hot weather can also alter how the body reacts to certain prescribed treatments.
Temperatures are set to soar this weekend across the UK, with multiple alerts issued in the south for extreme heat and Scotland is also to experience a weekend heatwave, though not as severe. As such, everyone across Britain with these health conditions should ensure they are keeping medicines in the right conditions.
Dr. Alison Cave, MHRA's chief safety officer, stated: "Let's face it - when there's a heatwave, most of us are focused on getting outside and enjoying it while it lasts.
"But it's easy to forget that medicines left in the heat - in cars, bags, or on sunny windowsills - might not work properly when you need them.
"Some medicines can also make you more likely to burn in the sun, feel dizzy, or get dehydrated, especially if you're taking diuretics or have a condition like asthma, heart disease, or diabetes."
To stay safe in the heat, Dr. Cave offered three key tips. Firstly, medications should be stored in cool, dry locations away from direct sunlight.
As most medications need to be kept below 25C and others require refrigeration, it is crucial to check the labels and packaging for storage instructions. Heat can cause the active ingredients in medications such as tablets, inhalers, hormone patches, insulin, and EpiPens to break down.
If medicines change colour, develop an unusual smell, change texture or appear different than usual, these could be indicators of heat damage and you should consult a pharmacist for advice, reports the Express.
The second piece of advice is to recognise the symptoms of heat-related illness, keep well-hydrated, and pay attention to what your body is telling you.
During hot weather, your body sheds more water through perspiration, and certain medications can exacerbate this effect or impair your body's ability to handle the heat.
Individuals on diuretics, or "water tablets" like furosemide, are at increased risk as they already lose more fluid via urination, which can result in dehydration or mineral imbalances.
Medications for blood pressure such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers may also hinder your body's ability to manage its temperature, particularly during abrupt heatwaves.
Moreover, some treatments for diabetes, including insulin and metformin, heighten the danger of dehydration or obscure the early signs.
Should you begin to feel ill due to the heat, Dr Cave recommends relocating to a cooler environment, drinking water slowly, and seeking medical help if your condition does not improve promptly.
Lastly, Dr Cave suggests checking if your medication increases your skin's susceptibility to sunburn, even under mild sunlight.
Certain medications, such as antibiotics, diuretics, antidepressants, and treatments for skin issues like acne or eczema, may cause heightened sun sensitivity. Additionally, prolonged consumption of painkillers like ibuprofen or naproxen might occasionally result in mild sun sensitivity.
Medications like methotrexate, used in treating conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn's disease, and cancer, can induce severe sun sensitivity even in small doses.
Severe reactions can manifest as agonizing rashes, blisters, or swelling and might occasionally lead to dangerous infections in rare instances. Dr. Cave recommended: "Remember, for all medicines it's important to read the leaflet and speak to a healthcare professional if you have any questions."
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