Essential Tips for Safe Medication Use During Summer: Protect Yourself from Sun and Heat Exposure

As the warmer months approach, individuals taking certain prescription or over-the-counter medications are being urged to exercise caution. Some treatments may impair the body’s ability to maintain hydration, regulate temperature, or withstand sun exposure. This guidance is part of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) ‘Summer-proof your health’ initiative, which aims to provide practical advice for safely using medications and medical devices during the hotter season.

Understanding Medication Risks in Hot Weather

Dr Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA, emphasised the importance of awareness regarding the effects of various medications on the body’s responses to heat and sunlight. “Certain commonly prescribed medicines can hinder the body’s hydrating capabilities, temperature regulation, or protection from sun exposure,” she explained. For instance, diuretics, frequently prescribed for hypertension or heart conditions, can lead to increased fluid loss, heightening the risk of dehydration. Meanwhile, some antidepressants and antipsychotics may interfere with the body’s natural thermoregulation, while medications like beta blockers can diminish the body’s reaction to heat stress.

Additionally, certain treatments can heighten sensitivity to sunlight, making skin more susceptible to burns. This includes specific antibiotics such as doxycycline and tetracycline, acne medications like isotretinoin and topical retinoids, as well as antifungal treatments such as voriconazole. Furthermore, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like methotrexate and azathioprine, often used for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and lupus, can also increase photosensitivity.

Practical Steps for Staying Safe

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), commonly prescribed for acid reflux and heartburn, have been associated with a very low risk of a lupus-like skin reaction when exposed to sunlight. Similarly, over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen and naproxen may also enhance sun sensitivity.

Dr Cave advised that “simple precautions can make a significant difference.” Staying well-hydrated, avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours, and utilising protective clothing and sunscreen are effective measures to mitigate risks associated with medication use in the heat.

To further minimise the likelihood of medication-related issues during summer, individuals are encouraged to:

• Consult the patient information leaflet accompanying their medication for guidance on sun exposure and hydration, which can also be found online.
• Recognise signs of heat-related stress, such as dizziness, headaches, unusual fatigue, confusion, or reduced urination. Skin that appears red, sore, blistered, or reacts more acutely to sunlight may indicate increased sensitivity due to medication.
• Seek professional advice before discontinuing prescribed medications during warmer weather. Any uncertainties regarding the effects of heat or sunlight on their medication should prompt a discussion with a pharmacist or GP.

Encouraging Awareness and Reporting

Through the “Summer-proof your health” campaign, the MHRA aims to raise awareness of the potential risks associated with medications during the summer months and to encourage individuals to take straightforward precautions to safeguard their health.

Patients who suspect they are experiencing side effects from their medication are strongly encouraged to consult their doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. Additionally, individuals can report any side effects directly to the MHRA via the Yellow Card scheme, which contributes to enhancing the overall safety of medications. A new feature allows users to create or access their Yellow Card account using NHS login, ensuring a secure and convenient sign-in process with credentials already in use across NHS services.

About the MHRA

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is tasked with regulating all medicines and medical devices within the UK, ensuring they are effective and acceptably safe. The agency’s work is grounded in rigorous, evidence-based assessments to guarantee that the benefits of medications outweigh any associated risks.

As an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care, the MHRA plays a vital role in public health and safety.

For further media inquiries, please reach out to newscentre@mhra.gov.uk or contact us at 020 3080 7651.