<p>This article explores the potential for drugs which can cause oedema to exacerbate pre-existing lymphoedema. Guidance on the assessment and management of patients taking these drugs is given. Drugs which may be used to treat lymphoedema are also considered. Current evidence does not support the routine use of benzopyrones, selenium, or diuretics in the management of lymphoedema. There is, however, a place for the use of corticosteroids and diuretics in specific circumstances, such as in the oedema of advanced cancer.</p>