How Heat Affects Medicines

You have probably seen how heat affects medication. High summer temperatures are a factor to consider due to their possible influence on the stability of the medicine.

Every year, the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS) publishes a document on the safety of a heat wave. It contains information on the proper use of medicines and how to preserve them. It also contains specific heatwave recommendations for patients with special medical conditions.

How to store medicines in hot weather

At high temperatures , medicines to be stored between 1 and 7 ° C should be consumed as soon as they are taken out of the refrigerator. On the other hand, medicines that must be stored at temperatures below 25 or 30 ° C usually withstand more heat.

You must take care precautions when transporting your medicines, even resorting to a cooler bag if necessary. In any case, medicines should generally not be exposed to high temperatures for long periods. Some people leave them in the trunk of their cars, exposed to the sun!

If you have to take a medicine, it is a good idea to read the package leaflet carefully and contact your pharmacist if you have any questions or warnings that you do not understand or are worried about. Since some medications require refrigeration, experts recommend keeping them out of environments that are hotter than 25 to 30 ° C.

How heat affects medication

Some pharmaceutical forms, such as suppositories, liquids or creams, are quite sensitive to high temperatures. In this case, the active principle is not sensitive to heat, but the pharmaceutical form itself. Therefore, you should consider different aspects to know exactly how heat affects medications. Some of them are:

• Pharmaceutical form. Specific pharmaceutical forms, such as suppositories, vagitoria or creams, are quite sensitive to temperature rises. In this case, it is quite easy to see if they are in good condition after exposure to heat.

• Appearance. Keep a close eye on the look of the box, the presentation and the fabric. You must make sure that both the packaging and the product itself are in good condition. The consumer is the one who determines the stability of the substance after analyzing its external appearance. When in doubt, it is best not to take it.

Thermolabile medications

Preservation of thermolabile drugs, especially those that must be stored between 1 and 7 ° C, is important during a trip. The use of refrigerated isothermal packaging for these substances is essential.

Heat can affect the medicine, especially if it is exposed to high temperatures for a long time. This can change the effect and can lead to side effects. At high temperatures, experts recommend taking this type of medication as soon as you take it out of the refrigerator.

Some recommendations from AEMPS

The Spanish Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices established some guidelines for the proper use of medicines at high temperatures. These include the following:

• Do not reduce or discontinue treatments without consulting your doctor.
• Avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as much as possible, especially nephrotoxic drugs, when there is a risk of dehydration.
• Do not take paracetamol in hot diseases, as experts have proven it to be ineffective when treated.

• If your doctor has prescribed a diuretic, remember to adjust your fluid and sodium intake.
• Do not take medication before consulting your doctor, as they may interact with other treatments or cause side effects.

How heat affects medication: Conclusion

Throughout the year, and especially at times when the temperature is very high, you should store medicines in cool and dry places, not directly exposed to sunlight. If in doubt, read the package leaflet of the medicines you buy, as it contains important information about storage.