Metformin and beta blocker users face 4 day health warning from Monday, June 22

Metformin and beta blocker users face 4 day health warning from Monday, June 22 People on these medications are being issued with health guidance by officials The Met Office has issued a rare amber heat warning between Monday, June 22 and Thursday, June 25 across parts of Wales and South England. It warns that the general population are likely to experience some symptoms and people that are ‘vulnerable’ to heat have been urged to take extra precautions. This includes people on two common medications; beta blockers and metformin. Both drugs are taken by millions of people across the UK and can increase your risk of getting dehydrated in hot weather, interfere with how your body regulates temperature or make the signs of dehydration and heat-related illnesses harder to spot. Beta blockers are one of the most commonly used medication to treat heart and circulatory conditions according to the British Heart Foundation. It is usually prescribed to treat irregular heart rhythms, angina and to lower blood pressure. This medication slows the heart rate and is usually used to treat heart conditions or high blood pressure. But, this slowing heart rhythm can affect the body’s ability to keep itself cool, meaning people on these medications might be prone to overheating much quicker. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency warns: “Blood pressure medicines such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers can also make it harder for your body to regulate temperature, especially during sudden hot spells.” A 2022 study also found that people using beta blockers or antiplatelet medications could be more likely to have heart attacks during hot weather compared than during more tame temperatures. Beta blockers specifically had a 65% increase in association between hot weather and heart attacks. Metformin, insulin and other types of diabetes medication can increase your risk of dehydration while masking the early symptoms. If it’s not addressed, dehydration can lead to worsening symptoms and in extreme cases it can cause kidney and urinary issues, seizures or even brain damage. Important symptoms of dehydration: - feeling thirsty - headache and feeling light-headed - dark yellow, strong-smelling pee - peeing less often than usual - feeling dizzy or lightheaded - feeling tired - a dry mouth, lips and tongue - sunken eyes Dehydration can be easily treated by drinking fluids or by taking oral rehydration solutions that can be prescribed by pharmacists. People using beta blockers or metformin should not stop their medication just because the weather is heating up. However, they should act quickly if they start to experience any signs of dehydration or symptoms of heat-related illnesses. People over 75 are already at a higher risk of temperature related issues such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion and dehydration. Families are advised to keep an eye on their loved ones during hot weather especially if they’re on these medications. The MHRA urged people on any medications to read the patient information leaflet or check with their pharmacist to see if they may risk having a sun sensitivity as a side effect. The Met Office has issued a rare amber warning for extreme heat lasting from 1am on Monday June 22 until 23:59pm on Thursday June 25. It is the most extreme heat warning that the Met has issued in the last four years, with the last one being issued in August 2022. Officials have said it will have “widespread impact” on both people and infrastructure, warning that some people may even have to change their work patterns on these days. The warning also notes: “The wider population are likely to experience some adverse health effects including sunburn or heat exhaustion and other heat related illnesses.”