Warning SUN - do not sunbathe after taking these medications

It's probably no surprise that too much sun exposure can have negative effects on the body. It should even be avoided if you're taking certain medications. On the other hand, the sun has a beneficial effect on your functioning. Sunlight increases hemoglobin and red blood cells, which in turn boost vitality. At the same time, an increase in white blood cells improves immunity. After just 20 minutes of sun exposure, the process of vitamin D production begins, which prevents osteoporosis, among other things. Sunlight also improves mood. So, is it better to be in the sun or not? When should you completely avoid it?

We'll try to answer these questions. This is crucial because some medications can cause skin problems, including burns, discoloration , and photosensitivity.

How does the sun affect medications?

Drug molecules, altered by sunlight, combine with skin proteins, creating allergens. The immune system remembers these allergens, and as a result, various reactions occur after each medication intake or even a short exposure to the sun. These may include:

– photoallergic reactions – they appear after taking medications and exposure to sunlight only in sensitive individuals; after 24 hours, allergic changes appear on the skin accompanied by itching, and they persist even after contact with the photosensitizing substance is discontinued;

– photosensitizing reactions – may occur in any person taking medications and exposing their skin to sunlight; the reaction resembles a sunburn, appears only on exposed skin and disappears after the sun’s rays are eliminated.

Which medications are not well tolerated by the sun?

Certain groups of drugs most often cause photosensitivity reactions. These include:

• antibiotics,
• cardiovascular drugs,
• anti-inflammatory drugs,
• neurological and psychoactive drugs,
• antibacterial and antifungal drugs,
• antihistamines,
• antidiabetic drugs,
• hormonal drugs,
• dermatological preparations, e.g. anti-acne and anti-dandruff preparations,
• diuretics,
• cholesterol-lowering drugs,
• oral contraceptives,
• oils and ointments containing: angelica, St. John's wort, bergamot, calendula, chamomile.

How to effectively protect your skin from the sun?   

While taking many medications from the above-mentioned groups, you don't have to completely avoid sun exposure. Just be extra careful and take good care of yourself. How? Remember to use sunscreen, wear natural, breathable clothing, a hat, and sunglasses. It's worth asking your pharmacist or doctor if sunbathing is safe while taking a specific medication. Read the package insert, which will also provide information on the effects of sunlight on a given medication.

And one more thing! Remember that your exposure to the sun isn't limited to the beach. The sun also affects your body while walking or shopping… even then, you need to take care of yourself.

How to store medicines?

Storing medications is just as important as how they are taken. Pharmacies store medications under appropriate conditions, meaning below 25°C (77°F) or in the refrigerator if the manufacturer recommends it. Medications exposed to high temperatures or UV radiation can decompose, change their composition, and lose their therapeutic properties. This can lead to side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, poisoning, and fainting. Your pharmacist will advise you if the medication you're purchasing requires refrigeration. You can also ask them how to store a specific medication in hot weather.

Medical consultation
with doctor Barbara Rusinek,
specialist in family medicine