The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a warning about certain medications during the UK heatwave. Temperatures are expected to reach up to 33C in parts of the UK on Sunday, as the country braces for a fifth heatwave.
Yellow heat health alerts in force
Yellow heat health alerts came into force at 9am on Saturday, with temperatures reaching up to 28C in the South and South East, and up to 27C across most of central England. The alerts cover the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and London, and will last until 9pm on Tuesday.
Health officials warn that hot weather can make it harder for the body to stay hydrated, regulate temperature, or cope with sun exposure when taking certain medicines, including ibuprofen.
MHRA advice on sun sensitivity
Dr Alison Cave, chief safety officer at the MHRA, said: “Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), commonly used to treat acid reflux and heartburn, have also been linked to a very low risk of a lupus-like skin reaction triggered by sun exposure, and common painkillers such as ibuprofen and naproxen may also increase sun sensitivity.”
The Met Office said the south and south-eastern parts of the UK could see temperatures climb into the 30s, potentially reaching up to 33C in the South East. Sunday is set to see some spells of rain in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern England, with isolated showers possible in the South East, but it will remain largely dry and sunny elsewhere, with temperatures reaching the high 20s for most people.
Wildfire risk and heatwave outlook
The Fire Severity Index indicates that any wildfires are likely to be exceptionally severe on Sunday in almost all of the east and south-east of England, with “exceptional” being its highest ranking. The index uses Met Office data including rainfall, temperature, and humidity to assess the severity of fire if it starts, but does not cover the chances of wildfires occurring.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warns that the hot weather is likely to affect the wellbeing of the population and put additional pressure on healthcare services. The Met Office said heatwave conditions will likely return next week, with a high of 36C expected in parts of East Anglia and south-east England by Thursday.
Two record-breaking heatwaves in May and June led to more than 2,800 excess deaths, and two more heatwaves in July have fuelled drought and wildfires. The National Trust is asking people to sign a petition calling on the Government to make tackling climate change a national mission.
