Some of the most common pain medications available over the counter and by prescription can increase a person's risk of sunburn, a health watchdog has warned, according to a report by Yahoo News New Zealand.
The warning covers several painkiller categories that are used regularly by large numbers of people. The concern centers on a reaction called photosensitivity, in which certain drugs make the skin more reactive to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight. People taking these medications may burn more quickly and more severely than they otherwise would, even with limited sun exposure.
Photosensitivity reactions can range from mild redness to significant burns and in some cases can affect areas of the skin that were not directly exposed to the sun. The reaction can occur with both natural sunlight and artificial ultraviolet sources such as tanning beds.
The warning from the health watchdog does not identify a single obscure or rarely used medication. The drugs flagged are described as common, meaning many people who take them routinely may not be aware of the added sun risk. Health officials are urging people who take these medications to check whether photosensitivity is listed as a potential side effect and to take appropriate precautions when spending time outdoors.
Standard sun protection measures apply and are considered especially important for people on these medications. Those measures include applying sunscreen with adequate SPF before going outside, reapplying sunscreen after swimming or sweating, wearing protective clothing such as long sleeves and hats, and avoiding peak sun hours in the middle of the day when ultraviolet radiation is strongest.
People who experience an unexpected or unusually severe sunburn reaction while taking a painkiller are encouraged to contact a healthcare provider. In some cases, a doctor may be able to suggest an alternative medication that does not carry the same photosensitivity risk.
The advisory serves as a reminder that side effects from common medications are not always well communicated to patients at the time of purchase or prescription. Pharmacists can be a useful resource for people who want to know whether a specific medication they are taking has a known interaction with sun exposure. Reading the information sheet that accompanies a prescription or over-the-counter drug is another way to check for photosensitivity warnings before heading outdoors.
