As summer heats up, it’s a good time to take a moment to think about how warmer temperatures can impact your medications.
Whether you’re heading out on a summer road trip, enjoying long days outdoors, or simply trying to stay cool at home, storing medication safely can help protect your health by ensuring the medication you are taking is still effective and safe.
If you aren’t sure if your medications are heat sensitive or still viable, then contact or visit your local Community Pharmacy today, and we’d be happy to provide our recommendation.
Why Heat Matters for Medication Safety
Most medications are designed to be stored at room temperature, between 59 and 86° Fahrenheit ideally. When exposed to excessive heat, the chemical composition of a medication can start to break down. That can make it less effective or, in rare cases, even unsafe.
Some medications are particularly sensitive to temperature, including insulin, inhalers, certain antibiotics, thyroid medications, troches, and nitroglycerin tablets. If left in a hot car or sunny window, these can lose potency far quicker than expected, sometimes without showing visible signs of damage.
Common Summer Medication Storage Mistakes
It’s surprisingly easy to expose medications to too much heat in the summer, especially during travel or busy outdoor days. Many people leave medication in a parked car while running errands or toss prescriptions into a bag or backpack without a second thought.
Even storing medication on a windowsill or in a bathroom can be problematic this time of year, thanks to the increased humidity and temperature swings throughout the day.
The inside of a car can reach well over 100° in a short time, which is more than enough to damage many medications, and other common storage locations can have similar issues in summer.
Safe Medication Storage Tips for Summer
To keep your medications safe, store them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. A bedroom drawer or hallway cabinet often works well and is more ideal than a bathroom countertop, which tends to collect steam and heat.
If you’re traveling, consider using an insulated pouch or small cooler to transport medications, especially if they require refrigeration. Always keep medications in their original containers, which help protect them and include important information like expiration dates and dosing instructions.
If you are unsure on where to start with safe summer medication storage, here are a few key things to remember:
- Avoid leaving medications in your car, even for short periods
- Use insulated travel containers for heat-sensitive prescriptions
- Never store meds near windows or in direct sunlight
- Watch for signs of damage, like discoloration, melting, or unusual smells
- Ask your pharmacist if you’re unsure about storage requirements
And if you’re heading out of town, it’s worth making a quick call to your local pharmacy to ensure you’re fully prepared with all your personal medication needs..
Avoid Medication Mishaps This Summer
When medication is stored improperly, it may not work as intended. For people managing chronic conditions, that can lead to reduced recovery rates or unintended side effects. Even something as simple as a melted tablet or a strange odor can be a sign it’s time to replace medication that’s been overexposed.
If you aren’t sure if your medications are heat sensitive or still viable, then contact or visit your local Community Pharmacy, and we’d be happy to provide our recommendation.
