A UK pharmacist has issued a critical health warning as flu season takes hold, cautioning that continuing to take certain common medications during a severe bout of illness could lead to serious kidney damage.
The Hidden Danger in Your Medicine Cabinet
Clinical pharmacist Anum used the social media platform TikTok to highlight the risks. She explained that when people taking specific drugs fall ill with symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, or a high fever, the combination of the illness and the medication can have a "huge impact on your kidneys".
The danger lies in the dehydration and fluid loss caused by such illnesses. For patients on particular medicines, this can dramatically increase the risk of developing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), a sudden episode of kidney failure or damage.
Which Medications Are Affected?
The pharmacist provided a clear list of drug types that require careful management during acute illness. These include medications prescribed to millions across the UK.
Key drug classes mentioned are:
- ACE Inhibitors for blood pressure, such as ramipril and lisinopril.
- ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers) like losartan and candesartan.
- Diuretics (water pills) including furosemide.
- Diabetes medications like metformin and SGLT2 inhibitors (dapagliflozin, empagliflozin).
- Common painkillers from the NSAID family, such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
Following the Official 'Sick Day Rules'
Anum's advice is not new but serves as a vital seasonal reminder. It aligns with official NHS 'sick day rules' designed to protect vulnerable patients.
The NHS clarifies that these rules do not apply to minor, single episodes of sickness. They are intended for longer periods of acute illness where significant fluid loss is a risk, particularly for those with existing conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or chronic kidney disease.
If you need to temporarily stop a medication, the pharmacist stressed they should only be restarted after you have felt better and have been eating and drinking normally for 24 to 48 hours.
The most crucial advice from both the pharmacist and the NHS is to never make changes without professional guidance. "Don't stop insulin or essential meds without advice," Anum urged. "Always ask your pharmacist or GP if unsure!"
With flu and other winter viruses circulating widely, this warning underscores the importance of understanding how common illnesses can interact with routine prescriptions. Patients on long-term medication are advised to have a proactive conversation with their GP or pharmacist about a personal sick-day plan.
