MUSLIM patients fasting during Ramadan are being offered help managing their medicines by Co-operative Pharmacy.

Although people who are ill can be exempt from fasting between sunrise and sunset during Ramadan, many who take regular medication continue to observe the fast.

That can mean that oral medicines are not taken at the correct time intervals, or that their effectiveness is altered due to drugs’ interactions with food.

This year Ramadan is during September, so the period of fasting, especially at the start of the month, will be significantly longer than in recent years.

Now the Co-operative Pharmacy group is urging Muslim patients on regular prescribed medication to speak to their pharmacist, to ensure that if they need to change the times they take their medicines they continue to manage their condition well. 

It's is offering free 'medicines checks' aimed specifically at Muslim patients. A medicines check allows a patient to discuss all aspects of their prescribed medicines with their pharmacist, highlighting any problems and improving their understanding.

"We encourage all our regular customers to have a medicine check but with Ramadan approaching they are particularly useful for people intending to fast," said Adrian Price, The Co-operative Pharmacy’s professional practice manager.

"We know that during Ramadan many patients change the times they take their medicines, or even the number of doses they take each day, without first seeking medical advice.

"Spending a few minutes discussing their plans with a pharmacist can identify potential problems and discuss possible solutions. For example, longer-acting slow-release alternative drugs may be available."

Potential implications of changing the times medication is taken can include interaction of drugs not meant to be taken together, if they are all taken before sunrise or after sunset, or a change in the effectiveness of drugs designed to be taken before, during or after regular meals.

Medicine checks are available in all Co-operative Pharmacy branches, nearly 800 nationwide. Pharmacists have been specially trained on issues regarding Ramadan fasting in about 40 branches in areas with a high proportion of Muslim customers.

"We appreciate the importance of cultural understanding and sensitivity when discussing the implications on healthcare of people’s religious beliefs," added Adrian Price. "We’re not making assumptions about how Muslim patients might act, but we strongly recommend they talk to their pharmacist."

Munir Malik, Chairman of The Co-operative Group’s Black Asian and Minority Ethnic Network, welcomed the initiative. He said: "The Co-operative Pharmacy’s diverse workforce, and it is Muslim pharmacists, have helped devise this service.

"It uses modern developments, such as delayed-release pills, to make it possible for Muslims to fast during Ramadan while continuing to take their medication.

"It is an initiative that I am sure will be welcomed in Muslim communities. There is a role for community pharmacy to play in helping and supporting people with their traditional fasting."