The Holiday season is a busy time for all of us, our friends and our family. Consequently, we could overlook our health in the chaos to make sure that every stocking is filled, every spud nicely browned and every carrot accounted for. As everyone usually has enough on their plate at this time of year (in more ways than one), the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has six top tips to help us stay healthy and safe through the festive season and beyond.
- Know which medicines interact with food and drink
It is important to understand in advance which food and drink can interact with your medicines, altering their effects or increasing the risk of side effects. One of the best ways to check if your medicine could cause interactions is to read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with it, or you can ask your pharmacist or GP for advice.
Cranberries are often associated with Christmas. If you’re taking warfarin, for example, used to prevent and treat blood clots, do not eat cranberry products or drink cranberry juice. This might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.
Alcohol can affect the way your medicines work. Some antibiotics, for example, can have side effects such as feeling sick or dizzy, which might be made worse by drinking alcohol. You should always consult your doctor or pharmacist about whether it is safe to drink alcohol if you are taking medicines.
- Winter colds and flu usually don’t need antibiotics
Illnesses such as cold and flu are caused by viruses, not bacteria, so an antibiotic will not make it go away. A doctor or pharmacist will always consider if antibiotics are needed. Aways finish the course of antibiotics you are given, if you have been prescribed them, and you should take them to your local pharmacy to be disposed of if you have any left over. Do not throw them in the bin, the sink or the toilet.
- Take painkillers wisely
Hopefully you’ll escape winter colds, flu and COVID-19 over the festive season. But if not, you might reach for your packet of painkillers. If so, always check the dosage instructions. These medicines are safe and effective when taken as instructed. Taking too many painkillers can be dangerous and you may need treatment. For example, too much paracetamol can cause liver damage.
- Drive safely during the festive season
If you’re driving home for Christmas, it is important to consider your medicines. Check the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL), which comes with your medicine, for how it might affect your ability to drive. Do not drive until you know this – it’s against the law to drive if your driving is impaired by a medicine. If you are unsure, talk to the doctor or pharmacist who prescribed your medication about whether you should be driving.
- Look after your mental health
There are numerous apps available to support your mental health, making a wide range of claims surrounding the identification, management and treatment of a spectrum of mental health conditions. However, while there are some apps out there which many will find beneficial and helpful, not all of them have been created with input from healthcare professionals or those with lived experience of mental health.Thankfully, there is a way to tell if apps have been registered with the MHRA as they will be CE or UKCA marked, and this should be clearly identified on the website for the app.
- Report any concerns with medicines or medical devices
Finally, with all the festive indulgence, those with diabetes will want to monitor their blood glucose carefully. Insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring equipment are often used to help manage the condition, for many of the 5.6 million people in the UK living with diabetes. These devices significantly improve the quality of life for people with diabetes, and we want to ensure safety, so we ask patients who use a continuous glucose monitor or insulin pump to report any safety problem with their device, or indeed with any medicine or medicinal product, through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. If you find you need help this festive season and your GP is closed or unavailable, you can call NHS 111. If you feel you need more urgent care, you should go to A&E or call 999.
Learn more: Medicines and medical devices: Six tips for staying healthy and safe this festive season - GOV.UK
