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The Sun
14 hours ago
- Health
- The Sun
The hidden dangers of Ozempic-like fat jabs in hot weather – and ‘double whammy' side effect that can prove fatal
WEIGHT loss jabs have been hailed for their rapid and drastic results, particularly for those who've tried and failed time and again on 'fad diets'. But like all medicines, the jabs don't come without risk of side effects - one of which could rear its ugly head in this glorious weather. 5 5 5 For the 1.5 million people in the UK estimated to now be using weight loss injections - primarily through online providers - doctors have warned extra caution needs to be taken during hot weather. The Met Office predicts that a heatwave is looking likely this weekend - with temperatures exceeding 30C in parts of the UK. While many Brits will be looking forward to basking in the scorching heat, patients taking weight loss jabs risk dehydration. Dehydration can lead to a range of health risks, from mild discomfort to serious complications, such as heatstroke, urinary and kidney problems, seizures, and low blood volume shock. If severe and left untreated, dehydration can even lead to death. Professor Franklin Joseph, consultant physician and head of Dr Frank's Weight Loss Clinic, tells Sun Health: "Weight loss injections don't just suppress your appetite - they also blunt your thirst. 'People forget to drink because they don't feel hungry or thirsty. But your body still needs fluid - and when you're eating less, you're also getting less hydration from food. It's a double whammy. "If you're not replacing that fluid, it can creep into mild dehydration quickly - especially in hot weather or during exercise.' Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor, adds: "The common side effects associated with these medications, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, can also lead to a significant loss of fluids." Hot weather exacerbates the dehydration, warns Prof Joseph. Weight Loss Jabs - Pros vs Cons He says: 'When it's hot, you're sweating more - but if the jab is dulling your thirst, you don't feel the urge to replace what you've lost. 'That's when the danger kicks in - headaches, dizziness, low blood pressure, even fainting. 'Your body can't cool itself properly, and things can go downhill fast. "Heat makes dehydration risks ten times worse. It's even more important to stay on top of fluids during summer if you're using weight loss medication.' In the hot weather, certain groups are at greater risk of dehydration, including older adults, babies and young children, people with chronic illness (like heart or kidney problems), those on certain medications, and individuals who are physically active in the heat. In addition to heat stroke and kidney problems, dehydration can contribute to the development of gallstones by reducing bile flow and concentrating bile in the gall bladder. Dr Crystal Wyllie at Asda Online Doctor explains: "Gallstones are an uncommon side effect of weight loss medication and are associated with rapid weight loss, being dehydrated can increase the risks of developing gallstones, so it's important that you remain adequately hydrated." Other health risks to watch out for... 5 If you're eating less, drinking less, and sweating more, your body can hit empty, warned Prof Joseph. "Add in heat and you're asking for trouble - fatigue, cramps or even passing out," he added. George Sandhu, Deputy Superintendent at Well Pharmacy, warned even mild dehydration can negatively impact your energy levels. He said: "This can have a knock on effect on your ability to do physical activity and your overall well being, not to mention have a negative effect on your weight loss efforts." Some weight loss medications can also cause photosensitivity, he warned, increasing the risk of sunburn and skin damage. He cautioned: "It's important to be fully aware of the potential side effects of taking any medication, including weight loss drugs." What are the other side effects of weight loss jabs? Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects. Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include: Nausea: This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts. Vomiting: Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea. Diarrhea: Some people experience gastrointestinal upset. Constipation: Some individuals may also experience constipation. Stomach pain or discomfort: Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Reduced appetite: This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss. Indigestion: Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating. Serious side effects can also include: Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Kidney problems: There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon. Thyroid tumors: There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic. Vision problems: Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin. 5 How to stay safe For those using weight loss jabs, Dr Wylie says it's imperative to make sure you're drinking enough water. She explains: "It's important to drink more water than usual when taking weight-loss medication. "Adults should aim for around two to three litres per day. This can include plain water, squash, herbal teas, or other low-sugar drinks. "Staying hydrated helps your body manage the side effects and supports your overall health during weight loss treatments." Prof Joseph adds: "Don't wait until you're thirsty - by then, you're already behind. Carry a big bottle with you everywhere, set reminders, and sip little and often. 'You need to hydrate slowly and consistently through the day, not chug a bottle all at once. Your body absorbs water better that way and it helps avoid energy crashes or headaches linked to dehydration. "I recommend adding electrolytes once a day - especially in hot weather or if you're on a lower calorie diet. "They help your body hold onto the water and replace lost minerals. And try not to rely on tea or coffee - they can be dehydrating too.' And looking out for signs of dehydration is also important. Dr Wylie advises: "Check your urine. It should be a pale yellow colour and darker urine may be a sign you need more fluids."
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Swollen hands, ankles or feet can be signs of a little-known deadly condition – are you at risk?
WHEN the weather is warm, many of us will notice our hands, ankles and feet start to swell a little more than normal. Most of the time, this is nothing to worry about, but it can be a sign of myocarditis - a condition that kills one young person suddenly every week in the UK. Advertisement 1 Worryingly though, most Brits wouldn't see a doctor if they noticed such Andy Jansons, chair of the charity Myocarditis UK whose son Alexander died from the condition aged 18, tells Sun Health: "It's so important to be aware of the symptoms and know that it's OK to seek medical help if you're experiencing them." Myocarditis is inflammation of the It can cause rapid or Advertisement Symptoms generally can be subtle and sometimes won't be present at all. But left untreated, the condition can be deadly. In the UK, one young person dies suddenly each week due to undiagnosed myocarditis. "In young adults, myocarditis is among the most common causes of sudden cardiac death," Sindy Jodar, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, says. "There were also 632 hospital admissions with myocarditis as the primary diagnosis in England in 2023/24." It can affect anyone at any age, though it is most prevalent in men Advertisement "Young adults, especially Cardiologist explains when chest pains aren't a heart attack "Myocarditis is often the cause of on-field related incidents where sportsmen collapse." It is usually related to a recent The virus may have gone, but the immune system overreacts, causing inflammation that can persist in the "Other causes include bacterial infections, like a sore throat or chest infection, fungal infections like athlete's foot, and, rarely, reactions to medicines and vaccines," Sindy says. Advertisement "People with autoimmune diseases like lupus may be more at risk, as may drug users, with myocarditis occurring in reaction to harmful substances including cocaine." Early intervention is crucial as it can be only a matter of weeks between the onset of symptoms and development of heart failure Sindy Jodar British Heart Foundation Because it is commonly caused by a virus, people with myocarditis may first experience flu-like symptoms. "This includes but is not limited to aching muscles, fatigue, a sore throat and shortness of breath," Andy says. "Many patients mention chest pain that comes and goes, and pain along their left side - especially when resting or lying down - as well as heart palpitations. "Some also report swelling in their hands, ankles and feet." Advertisement Sindy adds: "Inflammation can cause extra heartbeats, which feel like a flutter in the chest, and if several of these extra heartbeats run together, it can cause light-headedness." Alexander Jansons' story ALEXANDER Jansons died from myocarditis in July 2013, at the age of 18. He loved life and in particular, enjoyed sport, music, family and his mates. His biggest passion was for football. He represented his school sides and numerous local teams, making so many friends along the way. Alexander's school football team at John Hampden Grammar School actually won the English Schools national title one year, technically making them the best school football team in England, and he played a major role in that. Another major passion for Alexander was the gym, where he would spend untold hours working on his health and fitness. A mainstay in Alexander's life was attending West Ham games with his family every other weekend at Upton Park, something that produced some memorable and unbelievable days out. All of this he carried forward to Sussex University, where he studied for a mathematics degree and played football for the first eleven, loving every second of the student lifestyle. Everyone who came into contact with Alexander along the way provides the same feedback - that he was a caring, kind, thoughtful and funny soul who would have helped anyone out in any situation. Source: Myocarditis UK A report last year found 82 per cent of people wouldn't see a GP or nurse if they experienced any of these symptoms. And 27 per cent had never heard of myocarditis in the first place. Sindy says: "While the majority of people recover completely, early intervention is crucial when treating myocarditis as, in some cases, it can be only a matter of weeks between the onset of symptoms and development of heart failure. 'It can turn problematic very suddenly' "Myocarditis can irreversibly scar the heart muscle, which then becomes enlarged and weaker – this is called dilated cardiomyopathy and it can lead to heart failure. Advertisement "In very extreme cases where there is severe damage to the heart, people may be considered for a heart transplant." Andy adds: "Myocarditis can turn problematic very suddenly. "The earlier that diagnosis is made, the sooner patients can be given medication to help alleviate the strain on the heart, as well as guidance on what lifestyle changes to make should that be necessary. "Early detection and treatment can lower the risk of long-term complications or fatalities from the condition. "With increased awareness, members of the public are better informed to monitor their own health and ask the correct questions of their GP if they are concerned. Advertisement "Making myocarditis a household name and helping the public, general medical practitioners, A&E centres and medical personnel to know and understand what to look out for, is a key step in identifying, diagnosing, and treating myocarditis effectively." If you think you have symptoms of myocarditis, call 111 or speak to your GP. But ring 999 immediately if your How myocarditis is diagnosed and treated MYOCARDITIS is inflammation of the heart muscle, usually following a virus. It reduces the heart's ability to pump effectively, causing rapid or abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). This inflammation enlarges and weakens the heart, creates scar tissue (fibrosis) and forces it to work harder to circulate blood and oxygen throughout the body. Myocarditis can affect anyone, at any age, and can occur in people with no history of previous illness. Most commonly, patients experience chest pain, breathlessness or have a heart rhythm abnormality that makes them collapse or feel as though they are going to collapse. This is often but not always after a viral infection or an adverse drug reaction. Other common symptoms of myocarditis include: A feeling of tightness in the chest Shortness of breath (either at rest or when active, or in certain positions, such as lying down) Unusual tiredness Palpitations (like your heart is fluttering, racing, or pounding) An irregular heartbeat Feeling light-headed or fainting Recent flu-like symptoms (such as high temperature, headaches, body aches, or joint pain) A sore throat or swelling in hands, legs, ankles or feet. To diagnose myocarditis, a doctor will look at any recent illnesses you may have had, your exposure to certain drugs and other risk factors, like whether you've recently had a baby. You may also have Treatment will depend on your symptoms and the cause of them, but may include painkillers, antibiotics and rest. Most people will have one episode of myocarditis and will get better with rest, medication and avoiding high intensity exercise while their heart recovers. But for some people, the condition can last longer or return, so doctors will check your progress closely. If your symptoms return, you should see a doctor or phone 111. Source: Myocarditis UK and the British Heart Foundation
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
I was days away from being paralysed after blaming back pain on being pregnant – a killer disease was eating my spine
SHEEMA Patel was just weeks into motherhood when agonising back pain left her screaming in the street. Doctors told the now 42-year-old from Harlow, Essex it was 4 Sheema Patel, now 42, developed back pain while pregnant with her son Mason Credit: Family Handout / Myeloma UK 4 Her symptoms left her in agony Credit: Family Handout / Myeloma UK By the time the disease was diagnosed as cancer, Sheema, who had just given birth to son Mason two months before, was told she was only three to four days away from being She tells Sun Health: 'I thought, I'm just too young. I've not had enough time with my son. 'The message that was delivered made me feel I only had weeks to live.' Sheema, who works in HR, had first felt something was wrong when her It immediately started to hurt, but she put the pain down to her pregnancy. As the pain worsened, she went to the hospital, where she was given a low dose of She says: 'My whole body went into a kind of spasm. 'But they couldn't do much because I was pregnant, so I decided to leave the hospital.' After giving birth on July 30, her symptoms worsened. Three weeks later, she started experiencing severe At this point, her pain was dismissed as sciatica - an irritated nerve - and the discomfort of post-partum recovery. What is myeloma? Her GP prescribed Then one day in late September, she was forced to cut short a walk near her house. 'I was three houses down and screaming in pain,' she recalls. 'My husband had to carry me, push the baby and walk the dog home. It was really bad.' 4 Scans revealed she had cancer that had left holes in her back Credit: Family Handout / Myeloma UK A few days later, in late September, Sheema saw a new GP at her practice. The doctor suspected After a series of scans and some back and forth, Sheema was told in October that she had lesions - holes in her spine, ribs and sternum - caused by myeloma, an incurable blood cancer that occurs in the bone marrow. The disease affects around 33,000 people in the UK. 'Don't ignore pain' She says: 'I was an odd case because I wasn't over 60, or a man, and I didn't fit the criteria for myeloma. 'But nobody should go through so much pain. It took months to be diagnosed, as it was just put down to sciatic pain.' She adds: 'My advice would be, don't ignore pain and keep pushing. Nothing was showing up in my bloods. "Back pain shouldn't go on for months, even if you're pregnant or have a new baby. "Ask for some X-rays or an MRI. You don't think you're going to get cancer at 40, but cancer doesn't discriminate.' Dr Sophie Castell, chief executive at "One of the biggest barriers remains identifying and piecing together the symptoms quickly and before too much damage is done. "Myeloma symptoms, back pain, fatigue, infections, are often vague and can be mistaken for ageing or minor conditions." This is partly because, unlike many cancers, myeloma doesn't form lumps or tumours. Instead, it attacks the bone marrow, the spongy material inside bones such as the spine, pelvis, ribs, and long bones, causing lesions that weaken bones and can lead to fractures. 'I thought was going to die there and then' Over a third of patients see their GP at least three times before diagnosis, and a quarter wait more than 10 months. Sheema recalls her diagnosis: 'I was upset. It was like I was going to die there and then. 'They didn't explain anything. You just don't want to believe it. It didn't make sense. 'The only thing I kept thinking about was that I wanted to take my son to Disneyland.' 4 Sheema is now in remission, though she knows the cancer is incurable Credit: Family Handout / Myeloma UK She sought a second opinion privately, where she was told the damage was so severe that any pressure could leave her paralysed. 'He confirmed that I needed to remain bedbound as any pressure to my spine was going to result in me being paralysed,' she says. 'It took a few days to process," she adds. "My mum had to move in with us because I wasn't able to do anything for my baby. The 10 red flag symptoms of myeloma Myeloma is an incurable blood cancer that occurs in the bone marrow. Despite being the third most common type of blood cancer, myeloma is difficult to detect as symptoms are often linked to general ageing or minor conditions. While it is incurable, myeloma is treatable in the majority of cases. Treatment can lead to periods of remission but the cancer will inevitably come back. Symptoms of myeloma: Persistent or unexplained pain for more than four to six weeks, particularly in the back or ribs Tiredness that doesn't improve with rest (fatigue) Frequent or hard-to-clear infections Easily broken bones or unexpected fractures Experiencing either frequent urination or minimal to no urination Swollen legs or abdomen Nosebleeds or unexplained bleeding or bruising Unexplained weight loss Numbness in the feet, hands, or legs Unexplained shortness of breath Source: 'I couldn't even carry him. It was awful.' In March 2024, following her fourth round of chemotherapy, one of Sheema's spinal discs collapsed. Living with incurable cancer She required urgent surgery to stabilise her back, and in May, she underwent a stem cell transplant. She says: 'It was difficult. 'I feel like I missed out on the experience of being a new mum. "My son became very close to my mum because I wasn't able to carry him or care for him as I wanted to. 'But we've become much closer now, and we share a strong bond. I do everything I can for him now, taking him to soft play, to the zoo, and more.' Sheema is now in remission, though she knows the cancer is incurable. She adds: 'I know myeloma isn't curable and that it will likely return, but I'm a positive person. 'I'm focused on moving forward, going on holidays, taking my son to Disneyland when he's three or four, and building lasting memories. I'm incredibly fortunate to have such a supportive family. 'Mason and my husband are what keep me going.' If you're worried you might have myeloma, it can be hard to explain vague symptoms in a way that gets taken seriously. To help with this, Myeloma UK has created a simple To find out more about Myeloma UK, visit Key myeloma facts There are over 33,000 people living with myeloma in the UK There are over 2,300 people living with myeloma in Scotland On average 17 people are diagnosed with myeloma every day in the UK Eight people die from myeloma every day Around 6,200 people are diagnosed with myeloma every year in the UK Over 3,000 people die from myeloma every year in the UK More than half of all people with myeloma will survive for 5 years or more Around one in twp people with myeloma have to wait more than five months before they get the right diagnosis One in four people have to wait more than 10 months before they get the right diagnosis Around one in three people with myeloma are diagnosed through an emergency route Over a third of people with myeloma attend at least three appointments at their GP practice before getting a diagnosis Around four in five people diagnosed with myeloma every year are over the age of 60 Myeloma is two to three times more common in black people Myeloma is the most common blood cancer affecting black people Source:
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
I was days away from being paralysed after blaming back pain on being pregnant – a killer disease was eating my spine
"I thought, I'm just too young. I've not had enough time with my son," Sheema tells Sun Health - as she shares grave warning to all new mums RED FLAG I was days away from being paralysed after blaming back pain on being pregnant – a killer disease was eating my spine Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SHEEMA Patel was just weeks into motherhood when agonising back pain left her screaming in the street. Doctors told the now 42-year-old from Harlow, Essex it was sciatica, but the truth was far worse: an incurable disease was eating holes in her spine. 4 Sheema Patel, now 42, developed back pain while pregnant with her son Mason Credit: Family Handout / Myeloma UK 4 Her symptoms left her in agony Credit: Family Handout / Myeloma UK By the time the disease was diagnosed as cancer, Sheema, who had just given birth to son Mason two months before, was told she was only three to four days away from being paralysed. She tells Sun Health: 'I thought, I'm just too young. I've not had enough time with my son. 'The message that was delivered made me feel I only had weeks to live.' Sheema, who works in HR, had first felt something was wrong when her back cracked while she was making her bed in April 2023, aged 40. It immediately started to hurt, but she put the pain down to her pregnancy. As the pain worsened, she went to the hospital, where she was given a low dose of morphine. She says: 'My whole body went into a kind of spasm. 'But they couldn't do much because I was pregnant, so I decided to leave the hospital.' After giving birth on July 30, her symptoms worsened. Three weeks later, she started experiencing severe leg pain. At this point, her pain was dismissed as sciatica - an irritated nerve - and the discomfort of post-partum recovery. What is myeloma? Her GP prescribed codeine, and she tried acupuncture, but nothing helped. Then one day in late September, she was forced to cut short a walk near her house. 'I was three houses down and screaming in pain,' she recalls. 'My husband had to carry me, push the baby and walk the dog home. It was really bad.' 4 Scans revealed she had cancer that had left holes in her back Credit: Family Handout / Myeloma UK A few days later, in late September, Sheema saw a new GP at her practice. The doctor suspected deep vein thrombosis, when a blood clot gets stuck in a vein, and sent her to A&E for more tests. After a series of scans and some back and forth, Sheema was told in October that she had lesions - holes in her spine, ribs and sternum - caused by myeloma, an incurable blood cancer that occurs in the bone marrow. The disease affects around 33,000 people in the UK. 'Don't ignore pain' She says: 'I was an odd case because I wasn't over 60, or a man, and I didn't fit the criteria for myeloma. 'But nobody should go through so much pain. It took months to be diagnosed, as it was just put down to sciatic pain.' She adds: 'My advice would be, don't ignore pain and keep pushing. Nothing was showing up in my bloods. "Back pain shouldn't go on for months, even if you're pregnant or have a new baby. "Ask for some X-rays or an MRI. You don't think you're going to get cancer at 40, but cancer doesn't discriminate.' Dr Sophie Castell, chief executive at Myeloma UK, the blood cancer charity, says: 'Myeloma has one of the longest times to diagnosis of any cancer. "One of the biggest barriers remains identifying and piecing together the symptoms quickly and before too much damage is done. "Myeloma symptoms, back pain, fatigue, infections, are often vague and can be mistaken for ageing or minor conditions." This is partly because, unlike many cancers, myeloma doesn't form lumps or tumours. Instead, it attacks the bone marrow, the spongy material inside bones such as the spine, pelvis, ribs, and long bones, causing lesions that weaken bones and can lead to fractures. 'I thought was going to die there and then' Over a third of patients see their GP at least three times before diagnosis, and a quarter wait more than 10 months. Sheema recalls her diagnosis: 'I was upset. It was like I was going to die there and then. 'They didn't explain anything. You just don't want to believe it. It didn't make sense. 'The only thing I kept thinking about was that I wanted to take my son to Disneyland.' 4 Sheema is now in remission, though she knows the cancer is incurable Credit: Family Handout / Myeloma UK She sought a second opinion privately, where she was told the damage was so severe that any pressure could leave her paralysed. 'He confirmed that I needed to remain bedbound as any pressure to my spine was going to result in me being paralysed,' she says. 'It took a few days to process," she adds. "My mum had to move in with us because I wasn't able to do anything for my baby. The 10 red flag symptoms of myeloma Myeloma is an incurable blood cancer that occurs in the bone marrow. Despite being the third most common type of blood cancer, myeloma is difficult to detect as symptoms are often linked to general ageing or minor conditions. While it is incurable, myeloma is treatable in the majority of cases. Treatment can lead to periods of remission but the cancer will inevitably come back. Symptoms of myeloma: Persistent or unexplained pain for more than four to six weeks, particularly in the back or ribs Tiredness that doesn't improve with rest (fatigue) Frequent or hard-to-clear infections Easily broken bones or unexpected fractures Experiencing either frequent urination or minimal to no urination Swollen legs or abdomen Nosebleeds or unexplained bleeding or bruising Unexplained weight loss Numbness in the feet, hands, or legs Unexplained shortness of breath Source: Myeloma UK 'I couldn't even carry him. It was awful.' In March 2024, following her fourth round of chemotherapy, one of Sheema's spinal discs collapsed. Living with incurable cancer She required urgent surgery to stabilise her back, and in May, she underwent a stem cell transplant. She says: 'It was difficult. 'I feel like I missed out on the experience of being a new mum. "My son became very close to my mum because I wasn't able to carry him or care for him as I wanted to. 'But we've become much closer now, and we share a strong bond. I do everything I can for him now, taking him to soft play, to the zoo, and more.' Sheema is now in remission, though she knows the cancer is incurable. She adds: 'I know myeloma isn't curable and that it will likely return, but I'm a positive person. 'I'm focused on moving forward, going on holidays, taking my son to Disneyland when he's three or four, and building lasting memories. I'm incredibly fortunate to have such a supportive family. 'Mason and my husband are what keep me going.' If you're worried you might have myeloma, it can be hard to explain vague symptoms in a way that gets taken seriously. To help with this, Myeloma UK has created a simple Symptom Translator, a downloadable guide that puts common symptoms into medical language your GP will understand. To find out more about Myeloma UK, visit
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
The 5 common drugs in your medicine cabinet ‘that increase your risk of killer cancer' in hot weather – are you at risk?
THE sun is blazing and you're doing everything right, slathering on suncream, grabbing your shades and hat, and staying out of the heat. But a hidden danger could be lurking much closer to home, inside your 3 Some medicines in your bathroom cabinet are making your skin far more vulnerable to the sun Credit: Getty 3 Worryingly, some of the worst offenders are probably already part of your daily routine Credit: Getty Experts warn that some everyday It comes as the Met Office revealed Brits will bask in a heatwave this weekend, with temperatures set to hit 30C within days. Earlier this year, a new study warned that 2.6 million women on HRT could be at risk in scorching temperatures, which could turn the vital drug into a serious health concern. The key ingredient in most HRT meds, oestrogen, significantly raises the risk of skin cancer, the Swedish scientists warned. The study, published in And they're not the only drugs; antibiotics, Some medicines can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, pharmacist Thorrun Govind tells Sun Health. She explains: 'This is a reaction known as photosensitivity. 'It happens when a drug causes your skin to react more strongly to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.' These drugs can damage the skin in two ways. Mum who nearly died after falling sick in Spain issues warning after anti-sickness pills left her 'acting possessed' She adds: 'Either they absorb UV light and become chemically reactive, damaging skin cells - a process called phototoxicity. 'Or UV light alters the drug, triggering the immune system to attack it as a threat, which causes inflammation and rashes. This is known as a photoallergic reaction.' Worryingly, some of the worst offenders are probably already part of your daily routine. The 5 common medicines that could increase your risk of skin cancer ... 1. IBUPROFEN But this common drug can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun. 'Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs can lead to phototoxic reactions, especially when taken in high doses or combined with sun exposure,' Thorrun says. This means you're more likely to experience redness, blistering, or inflammation even if you're careful with sun cream. 2. ANTIBIOTICS Certain antibiotics can absorb UV light and increase your risk of sunburn and skin rashes, Thorrun says. This is especially the case for doxycycline and ciprofloxacin, two commonly used medicines to fight sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and urinary tract infections (UTIs), respectively. 'To minimise the risk of phototoxicity, it's important to avoid prolonged sun exposure while taking these medications,' she explains. How to keep your medicines safe in the heat By Dr Sameer Sanghvi You also need to be mindful of where you're storing your medications, especially in hot weather. Heat, air, light and moisture can all damage your medicine and stop them working as they should. Medications are likely to expire more quickly if not stored correctly too. A drawer or cabinet is an ideal place to store medicine. These tend to stay cool and dark, even in warm weather. That said, I'd avoid keeping your medicine in bathroom cabinets as these can become very damp thanks to steam from baths and showers. Unless advised otherwise, you should always keep medication in its original packaging. Things like the box and blister packet that tablets come in are designed to protect the medicine inside so it can do its job effectively. 3. ANTIDEPRESSANTS With more than 8 million people in the UK taking antidepressants, it's important to know that some can affect the skin. 'These medicines, especially sertraline, can cause your skin to become more reactive to sunlight through phototoxic or photoallergic mechanisms,' says Thorrun. This may lead to itching, redness, or rashes after even mild sun exposure. They're often the first treatment offered to help people struggling with 3 Skincare is vital in hot weather Credit: Alamy 4. STATINS Over 7 million Britons are prescribed statins to manage Statins work by lowering cholesterol levels, helping to protect against these serious heart problems. While increased sun sensitivity isn't a typical side effect, some people may still experience it. 'It's not very common but worth being aware of,' Thorrun advises. 'Always use sun protection regardless.' 5. HRT Oestrogen, on the whole, tends to be good for the skin, Thorrun says. 'It makes the skin thicker and stronger and therefore less likely to get burnt,' she explains. So the fact that the new study by researchers at Lund University suggests oestrogen, found in HRT, can increase the risk of burning and cancer is a bit counterintuitive, she says. However, this is not the first study to suggest a link. For example, a large Finnish study Similarly, a How to stay safe Last summer, a cancer charity begged Brits to do more to protect themselves from the sun as the number of melanoma skin-cancer cases in the UK reached an all-time high. Cancer Research UK predicted there will be a record 20,800 cases diagnosed in 2024, up from a yearly average of 19,300 between 2020 and 2022. Its analysis shows rates between 2009 and 2019 - from 21 to 28 cases per 100,000 people. Can you spot the cancerous moles from the harmless ones? IF you've spotted a new mole or lingering mark on your skin, don't be too quick to dismiss it. It's important to know what your skin looks like normally, to helps you notice any unusual changes. The ABCDE rule can be followed to assess the health of a mole. If your mole falls into the following, it's worth getting checked: A symmetrical – melanomas usually have two very different halves and are an irregular shape B order – melanomas usually have a notched or ragged border C olours – melanomas will usually be a mix of two or more colours D iameter – most melanomas are usually larger than 6mm in diameter E nlargement or e levation – a mole that changes size over time is more likely to be a melanoma Most melanomas don't give you symptoms like pain or itching. Meanwhile, some non-cancerous moles or abnormal patches of skin can be itchy. So having some of these changes on their own doesn't mean you definitely have melanoma, but you should still get it checked out. There are two main types of skin cancer - non melanoma skin cancer and melanoma skin cancer. Non-melanoma skin cancer includes: Basal cell skin cancer - this is also called basal cell carcinoma Squamous cell skin cancer - this is also called squamous cell carcinoma There are a few different types of melanoma too: Superficial spreading melanoma Nodular melanoma Lentigo maligna melanoma Find out more about distinguishing moles The rise in diagnoses is due partly to a growing aging population and an increase in awareness of the signs of skin cancer. Melanomas are a serious type of skin cancer, strongly linked to sun exposure. At first, they usually appear as If left unchecked, these moles can grow and transform, often becoming darker, and morph into something far more sinister. It can quickly spread to other parts of the body, including vital organs like the brain, making it even harder to treat and much more deadly. 'The best advice is to always wear sunscreen, especially when you're out in the sun – no matter the season. I recommend SPF 30 or higher,' Thorrun says. 'Use clothing and hats to cover your skin when you can.' 'And try to avoid the strongest sun between 11am and 3pm,' she adds. If you are worried always check patient information leaflets or speak to a pharmacist for guidance. 'Don't just stop taking prescribed medicines,' Thorrun says. 'Always speak to your healthcare professional if any concerns.'
