diff --git a/runelite-client/src/main/java/net/runelite/client/plugins/poison/PoisonPlugin.java b/runelite-client/src/main/java/net/runelite/client/plugins/poison/PoisonPlugin.java
index abf1f4c56e..ef0a03b5e8 100644
--- a/runelite-client/src/main/java/net/runelite/client/plugins/poison/PoisonPlugin.java
+++ b/runelite-client/src/main/java/net/runelite/client/plugins/poison/PoisonPlugin.java
@@ -488,7 +488,7 @@ public class PoisonPlugin extends Plugin
 		}
 
 		// Only update sprites when the heart icon actually changes
-		if (newHeart != heart)
+		if (newHeart != null && !newHeart.equals(heart))
 		{
 			heart = newHeart;
 			client.getWidgetSpriteCache().reset();