Heat & Storage: Keep your medicines safe

Heat and medicines

With the temperatures we are currently experiencing, one may find it difficult to keep medicines safe and effective. Summer does not only bring sun and fun, but also heat, humidity and changing environments which can lead to a reduction in the effectiveness of medications and supplements.

One common scenario in the pharmacy, is customers bringing back suppositories with a deformed shape complaining that the product is damaged. Only one question solves this problem....."For how long was it in the car?" Summer temperatures not only degrade the potency of the medicines in an unseen way, but can also show up as melted suppositories, change in the colour and texture etc.

Thus, simple rules to follow include first of all to never leave the medicines in a parked car as the temperatures can skyrocket in the car and ruin the medicines. Another rule is to carry an insulated bag with you when buying medicines especially if you are not going straight home, or you are traveling or going to the beach. An insulated cooler bag protects both from heat and direct sunlight. If you are actually traveling with a plane, it is best to keep your medicines in an insulated bag in your hand luggage, and thus avoid dramatic fluctuations in temperatures which tend to occur with checked in luggage. In case one has insulin pens or injections which need to be kept cold, there are cooler bags specially made for such medications which need to be carried around or with which you have to travel for long distances.

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to ensure that our home is cooler than 30 degrees Celsius and some mediciations though they cannot be refrigerated, cannot be in temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius. Thus, it is recommended that one finds the coolest room in the house, possibly in a basement, or a room which is not in direct sunlight. Ideally one should not overstock on medicines in the hot summer months

Stay healthy and worry-free while on the go or at home! Pack and store your medicines properly and smartly!