Warning during heat waves: High temperatures can harm drugs

Experts warn that some drugs may lose or suffer physical and chemical changes if they are exposed to high temperatures for a long time.

According to pharmaceutical authorities, refrigerator - seeking drugs should usually be stored at temperatures of between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius, while most of the medicines kept at temperature are recommended to be stored between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius.

When temperatures exceed 25 degrees Fahrenheit [25 ° C], some drugs - especially those stored in cars, kitchens, baths, or near sun windows - can become less effective.

Overheating can change the chemical structure of the drug. Crems can be separated, fluids can evaporate, while capsules can soften or even melt.

Allison Cave, a medical director at the British Agency for Bars and Health Products, has warned that during heat waves people often forget that medicines left in the car, in bags, or in places exposed to the sun may not function properly just when needed.

Weight loss injections require special attention

Proper maintenance is especially important for weight - loss injections, which are usually to be kept in the refrigerator.

Medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy can be preserved for a limited period in environmental temperature, but during a wave of heat exposure to excess temperatures can affect their stability and effectiveness.

The same concern applies to insulin, which is used to treat diabetes and control high levels of blood sugar.

Therefore, patients should always follow the specific instruction of conservation that accompany each drug.

Inhalators can also be affected by heat

High temperatures can also affect inhalators used for chronic asthma and pulmonary obstructural disease.

Gas inside them can expand to high temperatures, potentially affecting the way the device works.

Many inhalators use trigger gases to send the medicine to the lungs and help patients breathe more easily.

Hence, even these devices must be kept away from direct heat and solar sources.

Heat and humidity can affect glucose measurements

Experts also warn that equipment for measuring glucose in blood may become less accurate in terms of high temperatures and humidity.

A 2014 study found that the very high levels of moisture can affect the accuracy of reading some of these devices.

During the summer, moisture inside homes may grow significantly, especially in kitchens and baths, where many people choose to store their medicines.

For this very reason, experts recommend that drugs be kept in cool, dry spots within the limits of the recommended temperature.

How to Protect Medicines in Hot Weather

There are some simple steps that can help to keep drugs safe during high temperatures.

Bars must be kept away from direct sun, radiators, hot cars, and places where temperatures often vary.

Rooms can be kept fresher by opening windows during the freshest parts of the day and using ventilations for air circulation.

During trips, fever - sensitive drugs may be placed in isolated bags or refrigerator bags.

However, they should not be placed directly next to the ice packs, since even freezing may harm some medications.

If a drug has changed color, structure, wind, or long exposure to excessive heat, counsel should be sought by a pharmacist, a doctor, or another health professional.

More important, they always follow specific instruction on each drug, since improper conditions can affect its quality, security, and effectiveness. / Periscopi/