High temperatures may cause some medications to lose part of their effectiveness if they are not stored properly, which could pose a risk to patients who rely on them daily, especially during heat waves.
In this context, UK health officials issued a warning as temperatures soared to around 37 degrees Celsius, stressing that some life-saving drugs could be affected by extreme heat if left in unsuitable places.
Experts explained that some medications should not be stored at temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius after being removed from the refrigerator, including:
Insulin medications.
Weight loss injections.
Asthma inhalers.
They pointed out that leaving medicines inside cars, bags, or on windowsills exposed to sunlight can cause them to heat up quickly, which may reduce their therapeutic effectiveness.
They explained that the effect of heat varies depending on the type of medication, as it may lead to:
The breakdown of insulin protein , which renders it ineffective and may cause high blood sugar levels in patients with type 1 diabetes.
The chemical composition of asthma inhalers has changed , reducing their ability to relieve attack symptoms.
The effectiveness of weight loss injections , such as "Wegovi" and "Mongaro", decreases when exposed to heat for extended periods.
Alison Cave, head of safety at the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), said that many people are focused on enjoying the hot weather, but may overlook the fact that medicines left in cars, bags, or on sunny windowsills may not do the job when used.
She added that some medications may also increase the likelihood of sunburn, dizziness, or dehydration, especially in people taking diuretics or suffering from conditions such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes.
To reduce the risks of heat, the agency recommended the following:
Store medicines in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, especially when leaving the house.
Maintain body hydration and pay attention to the symptoms of heat stress.
Take care when exposed to the sun if the medication increases skin sensitivity or the likelihood of sunburn.
Read the package insert for the medication, and consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
