Medicine Sick Day Rules

What to do when you are unwell

When you are unwell certain medications should be temporarily stopped to prevent serious complications e.g. dehydration, kidney issues or diabetes complications

These are the Medicine Sick Day Rules if you have:

• Vomiting or diarrhoea (for more than 24 hours)
• A high fever, sweats, or shaking (signs of infection)
• Dehydration (not drinking normally or passing minimal or very dark urine)

Which Medicines Should Be Stopped?

You should temporarily stop taking certain medications until you are well again:

What Should You Do?

1. Continue drinking fluids – regular small sips of water.
2. Monitor your urine output – if you are not passing urine or it is very dark, seek urgent review
3. Monitor your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes.
4. You can take paracetamol for pain relief or high temperature
5. Contact your GP, pharmacist, or NHS 111 if you are concerned.
6. Restart medicines once you are well again i.e. eating and drinking normally for 24-48 hours - unless advised otherwise.

When to Seek Urgent Help

Seek medical attention if:

• You cannot keep fluids down
• You are passing no urine for 12 hours or more
• You feel dizzy or confused
• You have severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting
• You are not improving after 48 hours

Further Information

For advice contact your GP, pharmacist, or NHS 111

• Find a Local Pharmacist
• Find Urgent and Emergency Care Services
• Diabetes when you are unwell
• Acute Kidney Injury