MHRA warns against mixing medicines with alcohol over festive period

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has launched a festive safety campaign highlighting the risks of combining medicines with alcohol during winter celebrations.

The agency said one of the most overlooked seasonal health risks is the interaction between common winter remedies and alcoholic drinks, warning that even familiar over-the-counter products can cause harm when used alongside alcohol.

Leigh Henderson, from the MHRA's safety and surveillance team, observed that people often take more medicines at this time of year for colds, allergies or aches and pains, while also drinking more alcohol.

'The biggest safety risks often come from simple misunderstandings, including not realising that alcohol can interact with certain medicines,' she said.

The MHRA warned that alcohol combined with certain medicines can cause drowsiness, affect coordination, increase dizziness, cause slow reactions and raise the risk of falls and accidents.

The agency highlighted the associated risks with driving and also using mobility scooters or powered wheelchairs.

The MHRA's public guidance also covered four other common festive medication errors: taking multiple products containing paracetamol; using expired medicines; ignoring patient information leaflets; and sharing prescription medicines.

On paracetamol, the agency cautioned that many cold and flu remedies already contain the ingredient and taking them alongside painkillers can lead to accidental overdose.

The MHRA reminded the public to report any side effects or safety concerns about medicines, vaccines or medical devices to the Yellow Card scheme.