• Some heart disease medication • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (analgesics) • Antihistamines • Acne medication Your Pharmacist is there for you
Your Pharmacists can help with Medication Questions Michael Gleiser Owner/Pharmacist Bosson’s Pharmacy & Home Health Care
Your pharmacist will tell you if your medication is likely to en- hance your sensitivity to sunlight. The risk of experiencing a pho- toallergic or phototoxic reaction is very low and, in most cases, they can be avoided by taking the appropriate sun protection measures, getting the right information and avoiding heatstroke. For at-risk persons, such as those with certain skin diseases, the pharmacist may suggest switching to a different medication. If you think you are experiencing a reaction to the sun, consult your healthcare professional. Before taking an over-the-counter medication or a natural health product, be sure to carefully read the warnings on the package or check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about sun protection, consult your beauty advisors or pharmacist. They are there for you!
Medication and sun: What are the risks? If your pharmacist warns you to protect yourself against the sun during your treatment, you should take their warning seriously! Some medicines are said to be photosensitive - they can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight or even trigger an allergic reaction when you go out in the sun. Could this be a form of sun allergy or a sun allergic reaction? Let's find out. Phototoxicity: A rapid reaction When ultraviolet radiation from the sun penetrates the skin, it can interact with the medicine circulating through the blood vessels on the skin surface. When activated by UV rays, some medications can cause damage to skin cells, causing a reaction similar to sunburn. This phototoxic reaction occurs rapidly. Sun-exposed skin b comes red, hot, and painful. The result looks like a severe sun- burn, one that seems out of proportion compared to the time actually spent in the sun. In more serious cases, blisters can form on the skin. Photoallergy: A delayed reaction When UV rays from the sun interact with medication, they can trigger an immune system response. This is known as a pho- toallergic reaction. Photoallergic reactions are less common than phototoxic reactions, and are usually associated with a product that is applied on the skin, such as a medicated cream or a perfume. This kind of reaction generally occurs one to three days after exposure to sunlight, and resembles a bout of hives or eczema. In serious cases it can extend beyond the area that was exposed to sunlight. The most common photosensitive drugs A number of over-the-counter and prescription drugs have been linked to cases of phototoxic or photoallergic reactions: • Some antibiotics • Some antidepressants • Diuretics • Hormonal contraceptives
Monday-Friday 9am-6pm / Saturday 9am-3pm
BOSSONS PHARMACY + & HOME HEALTH CARE 35 Front St W, Strathroy (519) 245-3810 www.bossonspharmacy.com Strathroy's local rehabilitation and home health care specialists @bossonspharmacy
Have a Safe and Happy Summer! Hometown Strathroy-Caradoc Magazine will be back in September!
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Hometown Strathroy-Caradoc July/Aug 2025
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