07/15/2025
UV Awareness Month
The sun is out, and temperatures have been on the rise! UV safety is important all year long, but especially in July. Although it can be an unusual request, pharmacists can provide additional help to protect patients from the sun. If a patient is going to be outside for a long period of time, recommend protective clothing, sunglasses, hats, and seeking shade. Apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher and water resistant) to exposed skin to protect against UVA and UVB radiation. When counseling a patient, remind them of the photosensitivity risk of the following medications:
**Antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, tetracycline, trimethoprim)
**Antifungals (voriconazole)
**Antihistamines (cetirizine, diphenhydramine, loratadine, promethazine)
**Cholesterol-lowering drugs (simvastatin, atorvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin)
**Diuretics (thiazide diuretics: hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, chlorothiazide.; other diuretics: furosemide and triamterene)
**Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, ketoprofen)
**Oral contraceptives and estrogens
**Phenothiazines (chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, prochlorperazine)
**Retinoids (acitretin, isotretinoin)
**Sulfonamides (acetazolamide, sulfamethazine, sulfamethoxazole)
**Sulfonylureas for type 2 diabetes (glipizide, glyburide)
