Medicine Safety During a Heatwave
Medicine Safety During a Heatwave
As the UK basks in hotter weather, it's not just sunburn and dehydration we need to worry about. Many people don’t realise that high temperatures can also affect the safety and effectiveness of their medicines. Whether you're at home, heading out for the day, or travelling, here’s how to keep your medicines and prescriptions safe during a heatwave.
Why Medicine Storage Matters
Most medicines are designed to be stored below 25°C. In a heatwave, it’s easy for rooms, cars, and even suitcases to exceed this, which may reduce how well your medicines work – or worse, make them unsafe to use.
Top Tips for Storing Medicines in Hot Weather
1. Store in a cool, dry place
Avoid direct sunlight, windowsills, or places like bathrooms where heat and humidity can affect the packaging and contents.
2. Keep fridge items cold (but not frozen!)
If your medicine says “store in the refrigerator,” it should be kept at 2°C–8°C. Avoid freezing and check that your fridge is working properly.
3. Travelling? Pack smart
Use insulated medicine bags or cool pouches for medications like insulin or eye drops that are temperature sensitive.
4. Never leave medicines in the car
Car interiors can exceed 40°C on hot days – far too warm for most medications. Always keep them with you in a cooler environment.
5. Check before taking
If tablets have changed colour, become sticky, melted or crumbled, or liquids have separated or smell unusual, speak to your pharmacist before taking them.
Don’t Forget Your Prescriptions
- Order early – Delivery services may be delayed due to heat or increased demand.
- Stay hydrated – Some medications can increase the risk of dehydration (e.g., diuretics, antihistamines).
- Monitor side effects – Hot weather can make symptoms or medicine side effects worse. Let your pharmacist or GP know if anything feels different.
Ask Your Local Pharmacist
If you're ever unsure about how to store your medication, especially during a heatwave, your local Peak Pharmacy team is there to help. Don’t hesitate to pop in or call for advice.
