The MHRA has five top tips to help you stay well through the festive season and beyond
The festive period is a time for reflection, celebration, and gathering with family and friends. From the twinkling lights of Christmas and Hanukkah to the warmth of Yule and ceremony of Zarathosht No Diso, fires and candles often play a part in our winter traditions.
But as we celebrate, it's important to stay safe - especially when it comes to medicines, and medical devices.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has five top tips to help you stay well through the festive season and beyond:
Be merry, not risky: don't mix medicines with alcohol
What's on your plate can affect your pills - be in the know
Safe use matters: cough and cold medicines and vitamin D
A hidden hazard: know the fire risks of skin creams
Don't let fake medicines ruin your new year: Buy safely - including weight-loss products
Dr Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA, said:
"The festive season is a time to come together, share traditions, and make lasting memories. But as we fill our homes with light, warmth, and cheer, it's important we don't forget safety - especially around medicines and medical products.
Acting on these tips will help ensure your celebrations are safe and healthy this winter, and all year round."
1. Be merry, not risky: don't mix medicines with alcohol
Many people enjoy a festive drink, but alcohol can interact with medicines in dangerous ways. When combined with alcohol, some medicines may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or poor coordination, increasing the risk of accidents.
Always check the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your medicine or ask your pharmacist if it's safe to drink alcohol while taking it.
Even if you're not driving a car, you should still take care when using a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair. These are medical devices, and alcohol or medicines that impair judgment can make their use unsafe.
2. What's on your plate can affect your pills - be in the know
The winter months - and the festive season in particular - often bring changes to our usual eating and drinking habits. But it's important to remember that some foods, drinks and supplements can interact with your medicines, potentially altering how well they work or increasing the risk of side effects.
If you take warfarin to prevent or treat blood clots, be aware that cranberry products may increase the likelihood of bruising or bleeding. Equally, traditional Christmas vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli and leafy greens are rich in vitamin K, which reduces the effectiveness of warfarin. These foods should not be avoided altogether - instead, try to eat consistent amounts so your vitamin K levels remain steady.
With Christmas treats everywhere, it's important to remember that certain foods can affect how some medicines work. For people who use insulin, sugary festive snacks like chocolates can cause unexpected changes in blood glucose levels. Enjoy them in moderation and follow the guidance you've been given on managing your treatment over the holidays.
Some traditional festive foods can also interact with specific medicines. Tyramine-rich foods - such as aged cheeses and dark chocolate - can cause problems for people taking certain medicines like monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (a type of antidepressant). If you're taking one of these medicines, check the information that comes with your prescription, so you know which foods to avoid.
The best way to stay informed is to read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) that comes with your medicine and ask your pharmacist or GP if you need advice. Understanding potential interactions ahead of festive mealtimes helps ensure your treatment continues to work safely and effectively throughout the festive season.
3. Safe use matters: cough and cold medicines and vitamin D
At this time of year, coughs and colds are common. If you need relief, always read the label and Patient Information Leaflet carefully and follow dosage instructions.
Do not take more than one product containing the same active ingredient (for example, paracetamol).
Don't use cough and cold medicines for longer than the recommended number of days.
If your symptoms don't improve or worsen, seek advice from a pharmacist or GP.
Simple self-care measures can also help: rest, stay warm, keep hydrated, and try honey and lemon for a sore throat (but not for children under one year old).
