SunAWARE

Meds can cause photosensitivity

This past October I wrote a blog about drugs potentially causing photosensitivity a heightened sensitivity to exposure to UVR.I gave a general overview of the types of drugs antibiotics, psoralens and diuretics that can increase the skin’s susceptibility to reddening and burning from UVR exposure. I also discussed the difference between photosensitivity and phototoxic and urged that you know the problems or side effects associated with any medication you take.

Pharmaceutical companies include warnings about sun sensitivity in the brochures found in the packaging for most medicines. However, often people don’t thoroughly read these documents. Further, many people don’t realize that vitamin supplements can also cause photosensitivity.

Here are three important websites that can help you identify any drug, supplement or herb that may cause photosensitivty .

www.MedicineNet.com lists 2,500 common drugs with descriptions of uses, and advice for how to use, side effects, precautions, drug interactions, overdose, notes, missed doses and storage. This list has clearly been organized and written for the lay person. The advice is clear and very helpful, and while the number of drugs covered is small in comparison to other websites, the information is extremely comprehensive.

According to the home page, MedicineNet.com is a “Nationally recognized, Doctor-Produced by a network of over 70 U.S. Board Certified Physicians‚” Loaded with content produced by practicing physicians – yet focused towards the general public – MedicineNet.com is the Internet’s comprehensive source for people who want to research a variety of medical and health subjects. Individuals can peruse the site at their own pace, searching for information that will enlighten their decision making processes or simply satisfy their curiosity. They can research ailments, treatments, and medications. Moreover, when the search for one answer raises even more questions, they can research those questions with the click of a mouse.”

I like the fact that this website is interactive and you can ask questions directly. If you are concerned about whether a drug or supplement you are taking can cause sun sensitivity, go to this website and ask.

www.medlineplus.gov was developed by and updated daily by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. Its purpose is to provide as much information as possible so patients can make informed decisions. It provides an extensive list of drugs, supplements and herbal medicines with descriptions of ingredients, uses, and side effects, including photosensitivity. There are articles, studies and reviews of clinical trials, all written for the lay person.  It is an easy to use web-site and you will likely find the information you want. It is not, however, interactive.

www.drugdigest.org, created by Express Scripts, provides vital information about most drugs on the market today.  Thousands of medicines and supplements are listed alphabetically, each with a brief description of ingredients and possible side effects, including photosensitivity.  This is a public service provided by Express Scripts and while it is probably used most often by pharmacists, it is an important source for locating information about medicines that may not be as common as those listed on other websites.

It is important to know your risk factors for skin cancer. Photosensitivity is a risk factor.  Check all medications and supplements to find out if you have an increased risk for burning or sun sensitivity.

Be SunAWARE and be safe.