MEDINA, Ohio — You know that medication insert that comes with your prescription that you usually throw away? You might want to pause and read it, especially if you plan to get some sun this summer.
Why? There are dozens of drugs that can cause you to get serious sunburn.
"The medications that have this possibility are used to treat fairly common things," Dr. Chris Peshek, director of pharmacy operations at Discount Drug Mart, says. "It's not like some rare cancer drug."
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For example, some medications for diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, heart conditions, contraception, diuretics, sulfa medications, antibiotics, and even the ibuprofen or naproxem you take to reduce inflammation can cause sunburn if you head into the sun after you take it, and not just a minor sunburn.
"This is beyond that, and the type of burn that you can potentially get is more severe than just a little bit pink," Peshek told 3News. "It's as significant as sometimes blistering."
So, read that insert. Look for words such as "May cause photosensitivity, phototoxicity, photoallergy or sun sensitivity." If you're still not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Not every drug causes this and not every person will have a reaction, but don't take chances. Limit sun exposure during peak times. and always wear sunscreen.