Latest news with #ThorrunGovind
The Irish Sun
3 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.'
The Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- The 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 bathroom cabinet. 3 3 Experts warn that some everyday pills - taken by millions of Brits - may secretly be making your skin far more vulnerable to the sun, dramatically raising your risk of deadly skin cancer. 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 Photodermatology, Photoimmunology and Photomedicine in March, found the hormone fuels all three major types: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and deadly melanoma, with risk climbing sharply at higher doses. And they're not the only drugs; antibiotics, antidepressants and medicines to treat high blood pressure can also prove very dangerous. 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. Ireland to bask in 25C heatwave for at least five days as warmest areas pinpointed & temps hotter than Tenerife 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 Ibuprofen is one of the most widely used painkillers in the UK, with millions reaching for it every year. 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. Sertraline is part of a group of medications called SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in the UK. They're often the first treatment offered to help people struggling with low mood or anxiety. 4. STATINS Over 7 million Britons are prescribed statins to manage cholesterol, a fatty substance in the blood that, when too high, can clog arteries and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. 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 published in 2017 found that women using hormone therapy had a slightly higher risk of developing melanoma, particularly with longer use of oestrogen-only treatments. Similarly, a 2022 meta-analysis of over 2.6 million women showed a modest increase in melanoma risk linked to menopausal hormone therapy, especially with oestrogen medicines. 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 here. 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 new moles on the skin - or changes to existing moles. 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.'
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
NHS could offer weight-loss jabs at pharmacies
Weight-loss jabs could become available to patients at pharmacy level, according to reports. Reports claim that after completing a short over-the-counter consultation, drugs such as Mounjaro, Ozempic and Wegovy will become available on prescription for £9.90. As it stands, the charge for patients who buy the drugs from private providers is around £150. NHS prescriptions of the weight-loss injections are currently restricted to those regarded as having the highest clinical need. Existing guidance says patients must have their BMI verified in person or via a video consultation, alongside information from their GP or medical records. But a Daily Mail report has alleged that a multimillion-pound deal is on its way with a pharmaceutical firm to fund a pilot scheme across the UK. The weight-loss jabs work by mimicking a natural hormone to make people feel fuller for longer. It has been suggested that people can lose up to 15 per cent of their body weight within months using the drug. However, some health experts have warned that weight-loss medications are not a quick fix and should only be used under medical supervision. 'We must remember that whilst weight-loss medications can play an important role in efforts to tackle obesity, they are not a quick fix and they are not suitable for everyone,' Thorrun Govind, a pharmacist and health expert, told the Independent. She added that pharmacists are well equipped to dispense the drugs as they are 'highly trained, regulated professionals who are well-equipped to support patients in accessing treatments safely'. There is currently a two-year waiting list for Wegovy on the NHS and about a third of adults in England are obese. Some have argued that offering the injections at a prescription price in pharmacies would make them more accessible to the millions of Britons who could improve their health by taking the medicine. Obesity costs the NHS around £6 billion a year and is linked to more than 200 diseases. Half of all obese people with three related problems, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, die within 10 years.
The Independent
02-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
NHS could offer weight-loss jabs at pharmacies ‘for £9.90 prescription price'
Weight loss jabs may be available to patients following a short over-the-counter consultation in a pharmacy, according to reports. Drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro could be offered at an NHS prescription price of £9.90, rather than the current charge of around £150 for patients who buy the medicines through private providers. Currently, NHS prescriptions of the injections are restricted to those regarded as having the highest clinical need. There is currently a two-year waiting list for Wegovy on the health service and about a third of adults living in England are obese. Some experts argue that offering jabs at a prescription price in pharmacies would make them more accessible to the millions of Britons who could improve their health by taking the drugs. And now, a multi-million pound deal is set to be struck with a major pharmaceutical firm to fund a pilot scheme across the UK, according a Daily Mail report. A government spokesperson said: 'As the government shifts the NHS from sickness to prevention, we will be looking across the board at how these drugs can be made available to more people who can benefit from them. "The NHS is already tackling obesity in innovative ways, including through community care models and digital technologies, to help deliver these drugs as part of a rounded package of care." Weight loss jabs such as Mounjaro and Wegovy work by mimicking a natural hormone and making people feel fuller for longer. People can lose up to 15 per cent of their body weight within months using the drug. Estimates from the National Institute for Health Care and Excellence (NICE) suggest 3.4 million people could benefit from taking weight loss jabs. Health experts have also warned that obesity drugs are not a 'quick fix' and should only be used under medical supervision. 'We must remember that whilst weight loss medications can play an important role in efforts to tackle obesity, they are not a quick fix, and they are not suitable for everyone,' Thorrun Govind, Pharmacist and health expert told The Independent. However, she explained that pharmacists are 'well-equipped' to offer the drugs. She said: 'Pharmacists are highly trained, regulated professionals who are well-equipped to support patients in accessing treatments safely. By making medicines available through pharmacies, we can reduce the risk of people turning to unsafe, unregulated sources and ensure they receive trusted advice and clinical oversight.' Pharmacist Dr Leyla Hannbeck also stressed the importance of accessing weight loss jabs from professionals and not from unknown sources online. Dr Hannbeck, chief executive of the Independent Pharmacies Association told The Independent: 'This is a move in the right direction. Community pharmacies are well-placed in providing this this service and also advise patients on healthy lifestyle. 'Weight loss, for patient safety reasons should always be done in the face-to-face presence of health care professionals such as doctors and pharmacists and not online at a distance.' Obesity is estimated to cost the NHS £6bn a year. It is linked to a range of health risks from type 2 diabetes and heart disease to some types of cancer.
Scottish Sun
01-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The common medicines taken by millions that can be FATAL during hot weather – plus how to take them safely
A leading pharmacist reveals soaring temperatures can cause some common drugs to interfere with how the body copes in the heat - are you affected? DRUG ALERT The common medicines taken by millions that can be FATAL during hot weather – plus how to take them safely AS the UK basks in soaring temperatures this week, no doubt you're reaching for the sun cream and popping the antihistamines to ward off the pollen explosion. But sunburn and hay-fever aren't the only health concerns you need to be mindful of during the summer months. Advertisement 5 Temperatures are soaring in the UK over the next few days Credit: Reuters 5 Some medication can affect the body's ability to cool down or sweat Credit: Alamy For millions of Brits, there is a darker side to the glorious weather as the heat can interfere with some common medications - in some cases, with life-threatening consequences. On Tuesday, the UK recorded its warmest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching 24C in some places. And forecasters say the current warm spell is far from over - with the Met Office predicting temperatures will reach 29C in parts of the UK today. Advertisement But for the 8 million of Brits taking medications like antidepressants, these high temperatures can turn their drugs from helpful to harmful. Around 5 million of those are prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), commonly used to treat conditions like depression and anxiety. These drugs can be lifesaving for many - but they can also make the body more vulnerable to heat. 'They can stop the body from regulating temperature properly,' pharmacist Thorrun Govind tells Sun Health. SSRIs, like fluoxetine and sertraline work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain - a natural chemical that regulates mood. Advertisement By upping the level of serotonin, these drugs can help make people feel happier. But because these medications influence the brain's chemicals, they also affect the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that acts as the body's thermostat. 'Take a stuffed animal on every trip this summer,' drivers told as it can secretly save kids from backseat heatstroke The build-up of serotonin can make the hypothalamus less effective at sending the signals needed to control body temperature. 'This can lead to excessive sweating,' Thorrun adds. 'This can be counterproductive in hot weather as the body is already struggling to cool down.' Advertisement Excess sweating can lead to dehydration and, paradoxically, a rise in body temperature. Worryingly, another type of antidepressant, tricyclic antidepressants, can also affect brain function, making it harder to spot the early signs of overheating, like dizziness, confusion, or headaches. You should always consult your doctor before making changes to your mental health medication Dr Sameer Sanghvi They can also make you sweat less as they block a chemical in the body that helps activate sweat glands, making it harder for your body to cool down. 'In some cases, this disruption can be life-threatening when your body struggles to cope with the soaring temperatures,' the medicine expert says. One of the most serious risks of extreme heat is heat stroke - a medical emergency that occurs when the body overheats and can no longer cool itself down. Advertisement 5 There is a dark side to the glorious weather when it comes to common health conditions Credit: Alamy 5 Pharmacist Thorrun Govind warns some drugs make the body more sensitive to heat Credit: Supplied 5 Brits need to be mindful of what medicines they are taking during the heatwave Credit: Getty 'I've actually experienced heat stroke myself, and it's a real shock to the body - you feel completely out of it," Thorrun adds. Your internal body temperature typically stays around 37C, because that's the range your organs need to function properly. Advertisement Heat stroke sets in when it rises to 40C or higher. This is when it can quickly become dangerous - leading to confusion, seizures, organ failure, and, in severe cases, death. How to stay safe 'If you are taking these kinds of antidepressants, first things first, do not stop taking them," Dr Sameer Sanghvi, a GP at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor says. "You should always consult your doctor before making changes to your mental health medication." The best thing people on these medicines can do is to take precautions, he says. "Try to stay cool by sticking to the shade, drinking plenty of fluids and by avoiding alcohol," Dr Sameer explains. Advertisement 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. Alcohol can make you feel hotter because it dehydrates you and increases blood flow to the skin, making it harder for your body to cool down. "You should also keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, avoid exercising in the hottest parts of the day and wear loose, breathable clothing," he adds. The 3 other drugs that can be dangerous in the heat As temperatures rise, it's not just antidepressants that can be affected by the heat. "I'd say people probably aren't aware of which medications they take are sensitive to warmer weather," says Thorrun. "Living in the UK, we're more used to grabbing our umbrellas than worrying about how our medicines change in the sun," she adds. Advertisement Here are some other common medications you might have at home that can pose similar risk: 1. Blood pressure drugs Around 8 million people in the UK are on medication for high blood pressure, including diuretics and beta-blockers. These drugs can make it harder for the body to handle heat because they affect fluid levels and heart rate. "This makes it harder for the body to sweat and cool down," explains Thorrun. Advertisement Diuretics, for example, make people need to pee more, leading to dehydration. "Without enough fluid, your body can struggle to regulate its temperature, leaving you at greater risk of heat stress," she adds. 2. ADHD meds Medicines used to treat ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, can raise core body temperature. This is particularly true for methylphenidate, which is one of the most commonly prescribed stimulant medications for ADHD. Advertisement "It can stop your body's ability to cool itself," says Thorrun. This can make it more difficult to stay cool during hot weather, increasing the risk of overheating and heat stroke. 3. Antibiotics Doxycycline is one of the UK's most commonly prescribed antibiotics in the UK - typically dished out to treat skin conditions and infections such as acne. However, it can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn and skin reactions - even after short bursts in the sun. Advertisement Thorrun says: "This is more about sunlight than heat, but it can still be dangerous in intense sun." Frequent sunburn means you are more likely to get skin cancer - which kills six Brits every day.
