Christmas might be a season of comfort and joy but health experts have warned of lurking dangers, ranging from the fire risk posed by skin creams to the possibility of festive foods interacting with certain medications.
People using medical moisturisers known as emollient creams, often used for eczema and other dry skin conditions, should stay away from heat sources including candles and open flames because such creams can soak into fabrics and make them more flammable, according to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
The agency also warns that traditional Christmas vegetables, including brussels sprouts and broccoli, can be problematic for people who take the anticoagulant warfarin, as the high levels of vitamin K they contain can reduce the medication’s effectiveness.
“These foods should not be avoided altogether – instead, try to eat consistent amounts so your vitamin K levels remain steady,” the MHRA said.
However, some people may need to avoid festive treats. Aged cheeses and dark chocolate are among the foods that contain a substance called tyramine. Tyramine can interact with drugs known as monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors that are sometimes used in the treatment of depression and Parkinson’s disease, causing blood pressure to rise suddenly.
Other foods that should be avoided by people taking these medications include staples of many a Christmas table such as smoked fish, beer, figs, gravy granules, paté and cheesy biscuits, according to Torbay and South Devon NHS trust.
Dr Alison Cave, the chief safety officer at the MHRA, said: “The festive season is a time to come together, share traditions, and make lasting memories. But as we fill our homes with light, warmth, and cheer, it’s important we don’t forget safety – especially around medicines and medical products.”
That includes taking care with festive tipples. As the MHRA notes, some medicines may cause drowsiness, dizziness or poor coordination with alcohol.
“Even if you’re not driving a car, you should still take care when using a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair,” the agency said. “These are medical devices, and alcohol or medicines that impair judgment can make their use unsafe.”
The MHRA also says those hoping to lose weight should take care when buying weight-loss medications online, noting they should be bought only with a prescription and from legitimate sites.
“Products sold through unregulated websites or social media channels may be fake, contaminated, incorrectly dosed or contain powerful ingredients not listed on the packaging,” the MHRA said. “Taking these medicines can lead to serious side effects, including heart problems, psychological effects, or dangerously low blood sugar.”
At a time of seasonal coughs and colds, the MHRA has also highlighted the importance of sticking to dosage instructions and not taking multiple products with the same active ingredients such as paracetamol.
Prof Victoria Tzortziou-Brown, the chair of the Royal College of GPs, welcomed the MHRA’s advice. She added that it was a good idea for patients to refresh their understanding of potential side effects of medication by looking at the patient information leaflet, checking the NHS website or speaking to a pharmacist. Health advice can also be accessed though NHS 111 services and GPs.
“The MHRA is right to highlight the risks of purchasing cheap ‘medical’ or cosmetic Christmas gifts online, especially from unregulated sellers,” added Tzortziou-Brown. “If an offer seems too good to be true, it usually is.”
