{"id":336754,"date":"2025-08-11T21:46:24","date_gmt":"2025-08-11T21:46:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/336754\/"},"modified":"2025-08-11T21:46:24","modified_gmt":"2025-08-11T21:46:24","slug":"hot-weather-alert-as-common-medications-put-millions-of-brits-at-risk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/336754\/","title":{"rendered":"Hot weather alert as common medications put millions of Brits at risk"},"content":{"rendered":"

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned that people taking certain medications could be at greater risk of heat-related illness as temperatures are set to soar this week<\/p>\n

Fiona Callingham<\/strong> Lifestyle writer<\/p>\n

12:07, 11 Aug 2025<\/p>\n

\"ManThe UKHSA has warned that people on certain medications will be more vulnerable to hot weather(Image: Getty)<\/p>\n

Brits who take certain medications have been issued a hot weather<\/a> warning. These drugs could make you more vulnerable to the effects of high temperatures, potentially proving dangerous, the UK Health Security Agency<\/a> (UKHSA) said.<\/p>\n

It comes as the Met Office<\/a> has cautioned that regions across England and Wales may experience temperatures surpassing 30C during this week. Weather forecasters predict that high pressure systems combined with southerly winds will “see temperatures rise for much of England and Wales in the first half of the week”.<\/p>\n

Temperature peaks are anticipated on Tuesday, with readings expected to stay “above average” throughout the remaining days, meteorologists have stated. While this is welcome news for many Brits looking to enjoy the summer holidays, it can cause health issues for others.<\/p>\n

The UKHSA outlined that people taking particular medications face heightened risks of heat-related illnesses. The agency stated: “Medications commonly taken for chronic conditions, such as diuretics, beta-blockers, or drugs used to treat mental health issues (like antipsychotics and common antidepressants like SSRIs), can also alter the body’s ability to cool itself or keep fluids, making people even more susceptible to complications.”<\/p>\n

Diuretics are taken for conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure and oedema. And beta blockers are used to lower blood pressure and for anxiety.<\/p>\n

Recent statistics have revealed that 8.6 million patients in England were prescribed antidepressants during the 2022-23 period, nearly doubling the figure since 2011. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning, saying: “It is important to understand how your medication affects your body’s response to heat and reread any instructions or speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns.”<\/p>\n

The agency further explained the risks associated with hot weather, saying: “In this way, hot weather doesn’t just present a risk of heat-related illness, but can act to worsen existing health conditions, an often overlooked but critical part of why some people may suffer more than others during heatwaves.”<\/p>\n

\"HotTemperatures are expected to remain high in the UK this week(Image: Getty)What to do if someone has heat exhaustion<\/p>\n

If someone has heat exhaustion, the NHS<\/a> says you should follow these four steps:<\/p>\n