5 summer tips from MHRA for managing medications and devices

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has shared some important summer tips for people taking medicines or using medical devices

People are advised to be mindful of medications that may cause sun reactions, and to watch out for dodgy hay fever treatments and fake weight loss pens.

For those traveling abroad, the MHRA advises considering the suitability of medicines available to reduce the risk of contracting tropical diseases.

Dr Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA, said: “The summer is an exciting time for many of us, as we take time off to travel and enjoy the warmer weather.

“But it is important to understand what this time of year means for our medicines and medical devices, and take the precautions necessary to use products safely and protect ourselves.”

Watch out for dodgy hay fever treatments

Millions of Britons suffer from hay fever symptoms in the summer. The MHRA advises consulting a healthcare professional to find the best treatment for your symptoms.

People are also warned to be cautious of medicines advertised as hay fever treatments but not approved for use in the UK, such as Kenalog. This is a prescription-only steroid injection licensed as a medicine for other conditions, but not for the treatment of hay fever.

Travelling with an implanted devices

Those who have an implanted electronic medical device – including pacemakers, implanted cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), neurostimulators, hearing implants, infusion pumps and glucose monitoring devices – are advised to carry their device registration card (also known as implant ID card) to show to airport staff before passing through security.

The MHRA cautioned that some infusion pumps and glucose monitoring devices should not be exposed to screening or scanning systems. People using such devices are strongly recommended to check with the device's manufacturer before traveling.

Diabetics are advised to monitor their glucose carefully on holiday as changes in their routine, climate, and eating habits can affect their condition.

Hand-held screening wands can interfere with implanted devices. The regulator has advised security personnel to keep wands 15cm from the body and pass over devices quickly to avoid delivering inappropriate therapy.

Medicines that can cause sun reactions

The MHRA cautioned that some medicines, like methotrexate, used for inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, and cancer, can cause sun reactions.

Extreme skin sensitivity to UV rays can occur with both low and high doses of treatment. Reactions can include severe sunburn, rashes with papules or blistering, and sometimes swelling. In rare cases, these reactions have contributed to deaths from secondary infections, it said.

Therefore, the MHRA advises individuals taking methotrexate to protect themselves from the sun and UV rays by avoiding sunbeds or tanning equipment, using a high-factor sun protection product, and wearing a hat and clothing that covers their arms and legs.

Check the suitability of medicines for tropical diseases

Traveling abroad may expose you to dangerous diseases like yellow fever and malaria, both spread by mosquitoes in tropical countries. Medicines are available to reduce the risk, but the MHRA stresses the importance of assessing their suitability for each individual.

For example, the MHRA says that the yellow fever vaccine (Stamaril) is highly effective, but it may not be suitable for everyone, as there is a very rare risk of serious side effects.

Due to this, individuals with weakened immunity or those aged 60 and older are advised to consult a healthcare professional about travel precautions. The vaccine may be recommended only if there is a significant risk of yellow fever infection.

Mefloquine (also known as Lariam) can be used to treat or prevent malaria. However, it should not be used by individuals with a history of psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, or other mental health issues, according to the agency.

Be aware of fake weight loss products

The agency has also warned of criminals selling fake, potentially harmful products online, such as dodgy diet pills or fake weight loss pens.

People are advised to use Ozempic (semaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide) pre-filled pens only if they have been prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional.

“If anyone has a concern about their weight and health, you should visit your GP or pharmacist, get a correct diagnosis and if medicines are prescribed, obtain them from a legitimate source,” the MHRA said.

The agency reminded that all pharmacies in Great Britain, including online ones, must be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and comply with their standards for registered pharmacies.