Many people are officially out of office, and while December is filled with lots of festivities and travelling, it is also known to come with a bit of disruption.<\/p>\n
From forgetting to pay bills or prioritising wants over needs and neglecting our health goals.<\/p>\n
Skipping medication during the festive season may seem harmless, but even short breaks can cause serious complications and undo months of progress.<\/p>\n
\u2014 \u00a0Murray Hewlett, Affinity Health CEO <\/p>\n
Affinity Health CEO Murray Hewlett warns against skipping medication, as the consequences could be dire.<\/p>\n
\u201cDecember holidays are fun, but they also disrupt routines. Travel, late nights, big meals, and social drinking all make it easier to forget a dose or decide to \u2018skip just this once\u2019. That one slip can snowball into complications, emergency visits, or even a hospital stay,\u201d said Hewlett.<\/p>\n
What you need to know to protect yourself and your family<\/p>\n
\u201cSkipping medication during the festive season may seem harmless, but even short breaks can cause serious complications and undo months of progress. Your treatment keeps your body stable, especially during times of stress, heat, and indulgence. This holiday, plan ahead: refill prescriptions early, pack enough medicine for travel, and set reminders so you never miss a dose. <\/p>\n
\u201cFestive season pressures are real. Pharmacies and doctors run on reduced hours, people travel without planning refills, pill boxes stay at home, and social plans push sleep and meals off schedule. Some stop meds intentionally because they feel \u201cfine\u201d, want to drink alcohol, are worried about side effects, or assume a short break won\u2019t matter. For many conditions<\/a>, it does.\u201d<\/p>\n He warned that alcohol<\/a> can \u201cdangerously amplify drowsiness [when used with sedatives, some antihistamines, and pain tablets], raise blood pressure, trigger hypoglycaemia in people on insulin or sulfonylureas, and irritate the stomach, especially if you\u2019re on anti-inflammatories or blood thinners\u201d. <\/p>\n \u201cGrapefruit juice and certain festive cocktails also interact with common meds [some statins, calcium-channel blockers]. When in doubt, ask a pharmacist or GP before you party. Flying or long road trips disrupt dosing times. For once-daily medicines, keep doses roughly 24 hours apart; for multiple-daily medicines, carry alarms to stay in rhythm.<\/p>\n \u201cKeep medication in original packaging in your hand luggage [not checked bags], along with a written list of your doses. Temperature matters: insulin and some biologics require cooling; inhalers and test strips must be kept dry; tablets shouldn\u2019t bake in a hot car,\u201d Hewlett said.<\/p>\n \u201cFestive stomach bugs happen. If you can\u2019t keep food down or have diarrhoea, some medicines need to be paused while others become more important. People with diabetes should check their glucose more often, hydrate with sugar-free fluids, and never stop insulin without medical advice. If blood glucose stays high, ketones appear, or you can\u2019t drink, seek urgent help.<\/p>\n \u201cRead your patient leaflet. The general rule for many medicines is: take it as soon as you remember unless it\u2019s close to the next dose, in which case, skip the missed dose [never double up]. Exceptions exist [e.g. certain anti-seizure and HIV meds], so confirm with a professional.<\/p>\n \u201cCall for urgent care if you have chest pain, severe shortness of breath, one-sided weakness or trouble speaking, a seizure lasting more than five minutes, severe dehydration, confusion, blood in vomit or stool, or signs of DKA [nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, fruity breath].\u201d<\/p>\n Hewlett shares examples of what could go wrong if you skip your medication:<\/p>\n Blood pressure and heart disease: Missing antihypertensives or statins can lead to rebound high blood pressure<\/a>, chest pain, heart attack, or stroke. Some cold\/flu remedies raise blood pressure or interact with heart meds, so always check before using them.<\/p>\n Diabetes (type 1 and 2): Skipping insulin or tablets can drive glucose dangerously high. Rich meals, alcohol, and late nights increase the risk of dehydration and diabetic ketoacidosis<\/a> (DKA) or hyperosmolar states, both of which are medical emergencies.<\/p>\n Asthma\/Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Stopping preventer inhalers raises the risk of a flare-up. Festive triggers, smoke, cold air, and dust from decorations can make matters worse. Keep reliever inhalers handy, and don\u2019t let controllers lapse.<\/p>\n HIV treatment: Even short interruptions can allow the virus to rebound and develop resistance, narrowing future treatment options. <\/p>\n Epilepsy: Missing doses increases seizure risk, which can be life-threatening, especially around water, roads, or heights during holiday activities.<\/p>\n Mental health medicines: Abruptly stopping antidepressants<\/a>, antipsychotics, mood stabilisers, or benzodiazepines can cause withdrawal, relapse, or severe symptoms (anxiety spikes, insomnia, mood swings).<\/p>\n Thyroid disease: Stopping levothyroxine leads to fatigue, weight gain, and slowed thinking; long gaps can worsen cardiovascular strain.<\/p>\n