Latest news with #AlisonCave
BBC News
18-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Fake Botox suspected in dozens of poisoning cases
Thirty-eight cases of botulism poisoning have been recorded in England in the last six weeks after cosmetic procedures suspected to have involved the use of unlicensed Botox-like products, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said. Botulism is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Cases have been recorded in the East, East Midlands and the North East regions. The UKHSA urged those seeking treatments to obtain proof that their Botox practitioner was qualified and that their products were licensed. Botox injections are a common cosmetic procedure given to reduce facial lines and wrinkles. The product is made from small, purified doses of botulinum toxin, produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Larger doses can cause botulism. According to the UKHSA, the evidence so far suggests clinics involved in the cases have used unlicensed Botox-like the most recent cases, recorded in East England and the East Midlands, patients had difficulty swallowing, slurred speech and breathing difficulties requiring respiratory symptoms of botulism can include droopy eyelids, double vision and weak facial muscles. Dr Gauri Godbole, of UKHSA, said botulism related to aesthetic procedures was rare but could be serious. She added that symptoms could take up to four weeks to develop and urged anyone who suspected they were suffering to contact the NHS 111 Alison Cave, chief safety officer at the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, said botulinum toxin was only available through prescriptions written by qualified healthcare workers. "Buying botulinum toxin in any other circumstances significantly increases the risk of getting a product which is either falsified or not licensed for use in the UK. "This means that there are no safeguards to ensure products meet the MHRA's standards for quality and safety." The Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners says it receives numerous reports of the "illicit supply and use of unlicensed botulinum toxins".It suggests those considering Botox injections ask for information about the product, including its brand and intended dose, before accepting a should check these details again with the person carrying out the procedure on the day of their treatment. The prescription for Botox must be in the customer's name. The UKHSA recommends the following precautions:Make sure a practitioner is qualified, is wearing appropriate protective equipment and washes their hands. Practitioners should be happy to discuss their qualificationsThose seeking a procedure should be offered a consultation beforehand that covers checks for medical conditions A consent form outlining the risks should be discussed and signed.
The Independent
16-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Breast surgeons see problems from procedures abroad on weekly basis, MPs told
Some breast surgeons are seeing patients suffering from complications of cosmetic surgery abroad on a weekly basis, health chiefs have told MPs. It comes amid warnings that the NHS is 'taking the impact' of unregulated enhancements on the high street, which have become 'widespread' and 'normalised' in the last couple of years. Health officials appeared in front of the Women and Equalities Committee on Wednesday as part of its inquiry into the health impacts of breast implants and other cosmetic procedures. The panel included Professor Aidan Fowler, national director of patient safety at NHS England and deputy chief medical officer at the Department of Health and Social Care, Dr Alison Cave, chief safety officer at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), and Andy Morling, deputy director of criminal enforcement at the MHRA. They were pressed on untrained and unregulated people administering fillers and Botox on the high street for aesthetic purposes, such as liquid Brazilian butt lifts (BBLs) and anti-wrinkle injections. When asked by committee chair Sarah Owen what would be helpful to the NHS to stop this practice, Prof Fowler said: 'Well, I think from the point of view of the NHS, we deal with the complications of that and are concerned about it. 'We recognise the Government's consulting on regulation around this, and we're very supportive of them doing that, and recognise their concerns and share them.' When asked about how much rectifying problems from cosmetic procedures abroad costs the health service, Prof Fowler said a figure is 'very difficult' to calculate as patients will record a complication but will not necessarily disclose where the surgery happened. 'My wife's a breast surgeon, and she would say that she's seeing on a weekly basis people with the complications of surgery abroad, for example, coming in and requiring supportive treatment,' he added. 'But that's not recorded as a specific thing, and I think there is ongoing discussion on whether it should be recorded. 'But of course, then it comes to, how do we get back that money? 'And that's very difficult, because we exist to support those people who are suffering and give them care, and it is a very complex business to then turn to them and say, 'well, actually now you have to pay for it', it's a complicated landscape around insurance and so on.' On harsher regulation for aesthetic treatments performed on the high street, Ms Owen said: 'You cannot walk past, every hairdressers, every nail salon will offer Botox or will offer fillers, all for aesthetic purposes. 'But you're saying the things that they're actually injecting, don't have to meet any of the regulations because they're not being used for medical purpose?' Dr Cave told MPs measures to bring some products under regulation are currently being consulted on. 'I would emphasise that that doesn't then necessarily regulate who administers them, and that's, I think, what you're alluding to,' she said. 'And I think the Government consulted on that particular issue a couple of years ago, and will shortly respond to that consultation. So that may be a way forward.' Ms Owen said: 'And you can see how long in those two years, how much more widespread this has become, how much more normalised this has become. 'We heard about the psychological impacts, the mental health impacts… Young girls are particularly targeted, advertising on social media for cosmetic enhancements, that there are things such as a 'lunchtime boob job', for example, that there is a real slowness for the agencies that should be protecting people and making people aware of the consequences of this, and the NHS is taking the impact of it.' Mr Morling was also asked what the MHRA is doing regarding 'evidence that there's widespread administration of Botox without prescription'. He replied it would be difficult to put a figure on how prevalent an illegal trade is, but added: 'I don't think it's quite as big as one might think.' However, he stressed the organisation takes a 'multi-dimensional approach' on the issue: 'We do go out and arrest people, we do prosecute people. 'Because these are criminals and should be treated like criminals.' Mr Morling added the MHRA also carries out 'preventative activity', such as talks to raise public awareness. 'I firmly believe there are a number of practitioners out there who just don't know what they're doing is illegal, so their behaviour can be changed,' he said.
Daily Record
11-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
People with diabetes, asthma and high blood pressure issued medication warning
A change in conditions can impact how a person responds to necessary drugs Individuals taking widely-prescribed medications for conditions such as high blood pressure, asthma, and diabetes are being cautioned to store them correctly as the UK heatwave persists this weekend. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has advised that high temperatures can impact medicines and their efficacy, while hot weather can also alter how the body reacts to certain prescribed treatments. Temperatures are set to soar this weekend across the UK, with multiple alerts issued in the south for extreme heat and Scotland is also to experience a weekend heatwave, though not as severe. As such, everyone across Britain with these health conditions should ensure they are keeping medicines in the right conditions. Dr. Alison Cave, MHRA's chief safety officer, stated: "Let's face it - when there's a heatwave, most of us are focused on getting outside and enjoying it while it lasts. "But it's easy to forget that medicines left in the heat - in cars, bags, or on sunny windowsills - might not work properly when you need them. "Some medicines can also make you more likely to burn in the sun, feel dizzy, or get dehydrated, especially if you're taking diuretics or have a condition like asthma, heart disease, or diabetes." To stay safe in the heat, Dr. Cave offered three key tips. Firstly, medications should be stored in cool, dry locations away from direct sunlight. As most medications need to be kept below 25C and others require refrigeration, it is crucial to check the labels and packaging for storage instructions. Heat can cause the active ingredients in medications such as tablets, inhalers, hormone patches, insulin, and EpiPens to break down. If medicines change colour, develop an unusual smell, change texture or appear different than usual, these could be indicators of heat damage and you should consult a pharmacist for advice, reports the Express. The second piece of advice is to recognise the symptoms of heat-related illness, keep well-hydrated, and pay attention to what your body is telling you. During hot weather, your body sheds more water through perspiration, and certain medications can exacerbate this effect or impair your body's ability to handle the heat. Individuals on diuretics, or "water tablets" like furosemide, are at increased risk as they already lose more fluid via urination, which can result in dehydration or mineral imbalances. Medications for blood pressure such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers may also hinder your body's ability to manage its temperature, particularly during abrupt heatwaves. Moreover, some treatments for diabetes, including insulin and metformin, heighten the danger of dehydration or obscure the early signs. Should you begin to feel ill due to the heat, Dr Cave recommends relocating to a cooler environment, drinking water slowly, and seeking medical help if your condition does not improve promptly. Lastly, Dr Cave suggests checking if your medication increases your skin's susceptibility to sunburn, even under mild sunlight. Certain medications, such as antibiotics, diuretics, antidepressants, and treatments for skin issues like acne or eczema, may cause heightened sun sensitivity. Additionally, prolonged consumption of painkillers like ibuprofen or naproxen might occasionally result in mild sun sensitivity. Medications like methotrexate, used in treating conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn's disease, and cancer, can induce severe sun sensitivity even in small doses. Severe reactions can manifest as agonizing rashes, blisters, or swelling and might occasionally lead to dangerous infections in rare instances. Dr. Cave recommended: "Remember, for all medicines it's important to read the leaflet and speak to a healthcare professional if you have any questions." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Scottish Sun
11-07-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Urgent warning over medications that can STOP working in the hot weather
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WITH parts of the UK set to sizzle under highs of 34°C, health chiefs have issued a warning over medications that could stop working in the hot weather. The heat can break down active ingredients in lifesaving drugs or affect how much the body absorbs them - making your usual dose too strong or too weak. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Keeping medications on a sunny windowsill could render them less effective Credit: Getty Meds that need to be stored in the fridge are particularly vulnerable to heat damage, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). But pills stuffed into bags and pockets while you're in hot cars and trains, or basking in parks and beaches, can also be affected. Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA, said: 'Let's face it – when there's a heatwave, most of us are focused on getting outside and enjoying it while it lasts. "But it's easy to forget that medicines left in the heat – in cars, bags, or on sunny windowsills – might not work properly when you need them. 'Some medicines can also make you more likely to burn in the sun, feel dizzy, or get dehydrated, especially if you're taking diuretics or have a condition like asthma, heart disease, or diabetes." The warning comes after the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Met Office issued a joint heat health alert, warning that sweltering temperatures could pose "serious" health risks for some. The MHRA said active ingredients in the following medications could break down from the heat, making them less effective: Tablets Inhalers Hormone patches Insulin EpiPens Insulin Liquid antibiotics Some of these will have clear storage instructions on their packaging but not all medicines come with a visible warning. Insulin and certain liquid antibiotics need to be kept in the fridge, so if they're left out too long or stored incorrectly in hot weather, they many not work properly when you take them. How to stay cool during hot weather Heat damage can also affect how much medicine your body absorbs. This could potentially make your usual dose too strong or too weak. If you notice any changes in how you feel or how well your medicines seem to be working during hot weather, speak to your pharmacist or doctor, the MHRA said. And don't forget medical devices, as some can become less reliable in hot or humid weather. One such example is blood glucose monitors, which could give people with diabetes less reliable readings. You should keep devices and any test strips somewhere cool and dry and check the leaflet for storage instructions. If your device isn't behaving normally, try running a control check or speak to your pharmacist for advice. HOT WEATHER MEDICINE TIPS From how to store your medication in hot weather, to protection from dehydration and sunburn - here are three essential hot weather medicine tips. 1. Store safely Most medicines need to be stored at temperatures below 25°C. But cars, trains and buses can heat up quickly during the summer, and rooms with direct sunlight can get much hotter than you'd think, the MHRA warned. Even bags and pockets can get warm enough to damage medication. Especially if you're taking advantage of the sunshine to go to a festival, sports event, or the beach. The MHRA shared key of heat damage to look out for in your medication: Colour changes Developing an unusual smell A change in texture Looking different in any way If you notice these signs, ask your pharmacist for advice. If you're at home, check the patient information leaflet for storage instructions and keep medicines in the coolest part of the house, away from direct sunlight. If you're travelling, avoid leaving them in parked vehicles or warm bags. A cool bag can help if you're going to be out all day. 2. Drink up During hot weather, your body loses more water through sweating and some medicines can make this worse, or make it harder for your body to cope with heat. If you're taking diuretics, or 'water tablets' such as furosemide, you lose more water through peeing - in hot weather, this can cause dehydration and mineral imbalances. Blood pressure medicines such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers can also make it harder for your body to regulate temperature, especially during sudden hot spells. ACE inhibitors can even suppress your natural thirst response. Some diabetes medicines, including insulin and metformin, also increase the risk of dehydration or make early symptoms harder to spot. Dehydration warning for weight loss jabs Ayisha Mushtaq, a registered associate nutritionist for Simple Online Pharmacy warned that people taking weight loss medications are at higher risk experiencing side effects in hot weather due to dehydration. "These medications often dull your thirst response and reduce your appetite, making it easy to drink too little without realising," she said. "Even mild dehydration can make side effects like nausea, fatigue, dizziness and constipation worse. "Sipping fluids throughout the day and including water-rich foods, like soups, fruits, and veg, can make a big difference in how you feel. "Don't wait until you feel thirsty to drink. Thirst is often a sign that you're already mildly dehydrated.' She added: 'Staying hydrated while taking GLP-1 weight medication isn't just about quenching thirst – it can help you feel much better throughout your journey. 'While drinking water alone won't lead to weight loss without changes in diet or activity, it can still support your goals in many meaningful ways. "For example, drinking water before meals may help you feel fuller, leading to smaller portions and replacing sugary drinks with water can reduce your calorie and sugar intake. "Although the research is mixed on whether water alone causes weight loss, it's clear that hydration plays an important supporting role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, whatever your weight-loss journey looks like." Here are some good options that count towards your intake: Water (still or sparkling) Green or herbal teas Diluted sugar-free squash Milk and milk alternatives Sugar-free soft drinks in moderation Caffeinated drinks in moderation Antipsychotic medications, such as olanzapine or quetiapine, or stimulant medications for attention disorders can increase your body temperature, making you overheat more easily. Dehydration red flags include dizziness, headaches, tiredness, confusion, and dark urine. This is particularly dangerous for older adults, young children, and people with heart or kidney conditions. If you start to feel unwell in the heat, move somewhere cooler, sip water slowly, and seek medical advice if you don't feel better quickly. 3. Sunburn safety Some common medicines can make your skin much more likely to burn, even in mild sunshine. This includes some antibiotics, diuretics, antidepressants, or skin treatments for acne or eczema. Less commonly, painkillers like ibuprofen or naproxen can sometimes cause mild sun sensitivity - but this is usually only a concern with frequent or long-term use. One medicine that requires particular care is methotrexate, used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn's disease and cancer. It can cause extreme skin sensitivity to the sun – even at low doses. This can lead to painful rashes, blistering, or swelling that looks like severe sunburn. In rare cases, these reactions have led to serious infections. The risk goes up during sunny weather, especially if you're outside more – whether you're walking the dog, gardening, or heading off on holiday. Even a short walk at lunchtime or a train ride in the sun can be enough to trigger a reaction for some people.
The Sun
11-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Urgent warning over medications that can STOP working in the hot weather
WITH parts of the UK set to sizzle under highs of 34°C, health chiefs have issued a warning over medications that could stop working in the hot weather. The heat can break down active ingredients in lifesaving drugs or affect how much the body absorbs them - making your usual dose too strong or too weak. Meds that need to be stored in the fridge are particularly vulnerable to heat damage, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). But pills stuffed into bags and pockets while you're in hot cars and trains, or basking in parks and beaches, can also be affected. Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA, said: 'Let's face it – when there's a heatwave, most of us are focused on getting outside and enjoying it while it lasts. "But it's easy to forget that medicines left in the heat – in cars, bags, or on sunny windowsills – might not work properly when you need them. 'Some medicines can also make you more likely to burn in the sun, feel dizzy, or get dehydrated, especially if you're taking diuretics or have a condition like asthma, heart disease, or diabetes." The warning comes after the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Met Office issued a joint heat health alert, warning that sweltering temperatures could pose "serious" health risks for some. The MHRA said active ingredients in the following medications could break down from the heat, making them less effective: Tablets Inhalers Hormone patches Insulin EpiPens Insulin Liquid antibiotics Some of these will have clear storage instructions on their packaging but not all medicines come with a visible warning. Insulin and certain liquid antibiotics need to be kept in the fridge, so if they're left out too long or stored incorrectly in hot weather, they many not work properly when you take them. How to stay cool during hot weather Heat damage can also affect how much medicine your body absorbs. This could potentially make your usual dose too strong or too weak. If you notice any changes in how you feel or how well your medicines seem to be working during hot weather, speak to your pharmacist or doctor, the MHRA said. And don't forget medical devices, as some can become less reliable in hot or humid weather. One such example is blood glucose monitors, which could give people with diabetes less reliable readings. You should keep devices and any test strips somewhere cool and dry and check the leaflet for storage instructions. If your device isn't behaving normally, try running a control check or speak to your pharmacist for advice. HOT WEATHER MEDICINE TIPS From how to store your medication in hot weather, to protection from dehydration and sunburn - here are three essential hot weather medicine tips. 1. Store safely Most medicines need to be stored at temperatures below 25°C. But cars, trains and buses can heat up quickly during the summer, and rooms with direct sunlight can get much hotter than you'd think, the MHRA warned. Even bags and pockets can get warm enough to damage medication. Especially if you're taking advantage of the sunshine to go to a festival, sports event, or the beach. The MHRA shared key of heat damage to look out for in your medication: Colour changes Developing an unusual smell A change in texture Looking different in any way If you notice these signs, ask your pharmacist for advice. If you're at home, check the patient information leaflet for storage instructions and keep medicines in the coolest part of the house, away from direct sunlight. If you're travelling, avoid leaving them in parked vehicles or warm bags. A cool bag can help if you're going to be out all day. 2. Drink up During hot weather, your body loses more water through sweating and some medicines can make this worse, or make it harder for your body to cope with heat. If you're taking diuretics, or 'water tablets' such as furosemide, you lose more water through peeing - in hot weather, this can cause dehydration and mineral imbalances. Blood pressure medicines such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers can also make it harder for your body to regulate temperature, especially during sudden hot spells. ACE inhibitors can even suppress your natural thirst response. Some diabetes medicines, including insulin and metformin, also increase the risk of dehydration or make early symptoms harder to spot. Dehydration warning for weight loss jabs Ayisha Mushtaq, a registered associate nutritionist for Simple Online Pharmacy warned that people taking weight loss medications are at higher risk experiencing side effects in hot weather due to dehydration. "These medications often dull your thirst response and reduce your appetite, making it easy to drink too little without realising," she said. "Even mild dehydration can make side effects like nausea, fatigue, dizziness and constipation worse. "Sipping fluids throughout the day and including water-rich foods, like soups, fruits, and veg, can make a big difference in how you feel. "Don't wait until you feel thirsty to drink. Thirst is often a sign that you're already mildly dehydrated.' She added: 'Staying hydrated while taking GLP-1 weight medication isn't just about quenching thirst – it can help you feel much better throughout your journey. 'While drinking water alone won't lead to weight loss without changes in diet or activity, it can still support your goals in many meaningful ways. "For example, drinking water before meals may help you feel fuller, leading to smaller portions and replacing sugary drinks with water can reduce your calorie and sugar intake. "Although the research is mixed on whether water alone causes weight loss, it's clear that hydration plays an important supporting role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, whatever your weight-loss journey looks like." Here are some good options that count towards your intake: Antipsychotic medications, such as olanzapine or quetiapine, or stimulant medications for attention disorders can increase your body temperature, making you overheat more easily. Dehydration red flags include dizziness, headaches, tiredness, confusion, and dark urine. This is particularly dangerous for older adults, young children, and people with heart or kidney conditions. If you start to feel unwell in the heat, move somewhere cooler, sip water slowly, and seek medical advice if you don't feel better quickly. 3. Sunburn safety Some common medicines can make your skin much more likely to burn, even in mild sunshine. This includes some antibiotics, diuretics, antidepressants, or skin treatments for acne or eczema. Less commonly, painkillers like ibuprofen or naproxen can sometimes cause mild sun sensitivity - but this is usually only a concern with frequent or long-term use. One medicine that requires particular care is methotrexate, used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn's disease and cancer. It can cause extreme skin sensitivity to the sun – even at low doses. This can lead to painful rashes, blistering, or swelling that looks like severe sunburn. In rare cases, these reactions have led to serious infections. The risk goes up during sunny weather, especially if you're outside more – whether you're walking the dog, gardening, or heading off on holiday. Even a short walk at lunchtime or a train ride in the sun can be enough to trigger a reaction for some people.
