Learn which ingredients can interact with your medicine
Christmas can be a time of connection and sharing – and that includes food. If you’re planning a meal with family and friends, knowing what ingredients can interact with your medication can help you stay safe over the festive period.
Drug interactions happen when the desired effect of a medicine is changed or reduced because of another product you have used. This could be another medicine, food or a herbal treatment.1
As we head into the festive season, you might be more likely to try out foods that you don’t normally eat as you celebrate with friends and family. It’s important to check that the snacks, treats and meals you try out don’t affect the way that your medicines behave.
Your Christmas platter might contain a range of meat, dairy and alcoholic products. Although it’s generally safe to have any food in moderation, if you take a medication, staying aware of how certain ingredients can interact with it is important.2
Here are some common foods and drinks that could potentially change the way your medicine works.
Dairy products like cheese can stop antibiotics from working as they should. They do this by preventing medications like ciprofloxacin from entering your stomach. You should make sure to have a least a 2-hour gap between taking your medicine and eating any cheese products.3
If you have been prescribed a blood thinner like warfarin, cranberry products can increase your likelihood of bleeding and bruising.2
Broccoli, brussels sprouts and cabbage are leafy greens that contain vitamin K. If you’re planning to include them in your Christmas spread, you must be aware that the vitamin K within them can encourage blood clotting. If you, or any of your guests take warfarin, this could affect how well the medicine works.2
Alcohol can worsen the side effects of some antibiotics. For example, you might feel dizzier or sick if you have taken your medication and drank an alcoholic drink. To avoid these symptoms, try swapping them out for non-alcoholic alternatives.4
Speaking to your pharmacist or GP about drug interactions before you start taking a medicine can help you plan your meals. If some foods can reduce how well your medicine works, they should be avoided.
You can also check the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your medicine for further information.
But you can still enjoy a variety of Christmas foods. It may be worth exploring alternative options while you take your medication to reduce risks to your health.
Don’t buy medicated weight loss products from unregulated sources
Weight management can be important for living a healthy lifestyle. If you are overweight, GLP-1 medications can help you reach a healthy BMI. But it’s important to get your medication from safe sources.
Unregulated sellers may expose you to fake, harmful versions of medications that could have long-term consequences to your health.4
There are several safe routes that you can explore.
Some people can qualify for the medication through the NHS.
UK pharmacies also offer weight management service. You’ll need to speak to a pharmacist so that they can check that the medication is right for you.
Sugary foods
If you have diabetes, managing your blood sugar is an important part of your everyday routine. Although you can have some sweet treats, it’s important to do so in moderation. This will help you avoid having high blood sugar levels.4
- Understanding drug interactions. SPS - Specialist Pharmacy Service. January 15, 2024. Accessed December 18, 2025. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/understanding-drug-interactions/
- Festive foods and your medicines: MHRA shares advice to help you stay safe this winter. GOV.UK. Accessed December 18, 2025. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/festive-foods-and-your-medicines-mhra-shares-advice-to-help-you-stay-safe-this-winter
- Common questions about ciprofloxacin. nhs.uk. December 14, 2022. Accessed December 18, 2025. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/ciprofloxacin/common-questions-about-ciprofloxacin/
- Medicines and medical devices: 5 top tips for the festive season. GOV.UK. Accessed December 18, 2025. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/medicines-and-medical-devices-5-top-tips-for-the-festive-season