Heatwave Medicine Safety: 3 Essential Tips to Protect Your Drugs

Heatwave medicine safety is crucial as the UK faces another day of soaring temperatures. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is urging individuals to be mindful of how hot weather can influence the effectiveness of medications. Heat can alter the body's reaction to drugs, particularly affecting those managing long-term health conditions. However, simple precautions can help mitigate potential issues. Alison Cave, the Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA, stated, “During a heatwave, many of us are eager to enjoy the outdoors. It’s important to remember that medicines left in warm environments—like cars, bags, or sunny windowsills—might not function properly when you need them most. “Certain medications can increase the risk of sunburn, dizziness, or dehydration, particularly if you’re taking diuretics or managing conditions like asthma, heart disease, or diabetes. To stay safe during this heatwave: * Store medicines in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, especially when you’re out. * Be aware of the signs of heat-related illnesses—stay hydrated and pay attention to your body. * If your medication increases sun sensitivity, exercise extra caution in the sun. And importantly, always read the information leaflet that comes with your medicines and consult a healthcare professional with any questions. 1. Keep medicines out of hot cars and direct sunlight. Most medicines should be kept below 25°C. However, vehicles, trains, and buses can heat up rapidly during summer, and rooms exposed to direct sunlight can become significantly warmer. Even personal belongings like bags and pockets can reach temperatures that may compromise medication, especially during long outings or events like festivals or beach trips. Heat can degrade the active ingredients in medicines, which means they might not provide the intended benefit. This applies to tablets, inhalers, hormone patches, insulin, and EpiPens. While some packaging includes clear storage instructions, not all medicines come with prominent warnings. Medications needing refrigeration, like insulin or specific liquid antibiotics, are particularly susceptible to heat. If these are stored improperly or left out too long, they may lose efficacy. Signs of heat damage include changes in color, unusual odor, altered texture, or any noticeable difference in appearance. Consult your pharmacist if you notice any of these changes. At home, refer to the patient information leaflet for storage guidelines and keep your medicines in the coolest part of your house. If traveling, avoid leaving them in parked vehicles or warm bags. Consider using a cool bag for extended outings. Heat-related damage can also impact the absorption of medications, leading to either a surplus or deficiency in dosage. If you observe any shifts in how you feel or how effective your medication seems during this heatwave, reach out to your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Don’t overlook medical devices: Beyond medications, certain medical devices are vulnerable to heat and humidity. For instance, blood glucose monitors may provide inaccurate readings when used or stored under hot conditions. Ensure that devices and test strips are kept in a cool, dry location, and review the usage instructions for any temperature specifications. If your device isn’t performing correctly, perform a control check or consult your pharmacist. For additional details on medicine and medical device safety, visit the [MHRA website](https://www.gov.uk) or report any concerns through the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme. 2. Hydrate adequately and stay cool if on diuretics or blood pressure medication. Hot weather leads to increased fluid loss through sweating, but some medications can exacerbate this or hinder the body’s ability to manage heat. Those on diuretics, or “water tablets,” such as furosemide, face heightened fluid loss, which may lead to dehydration and mineral imbalances. Blood pressure drugs like ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers can complicate the body’s temperature regulation, particularly during sudden heatwaves. Notably, ACE inhibitors can dampen the natural thirst response. Certain diabetes medications, such as insulin and metformin, may also heighten dehydration risks or obscure early warning signs. Antipsychotic medicines like olanzapine or quetiapine, along with stimulant medications for attention-related disorders, can raise body temperature, making overheating more likely. Dehydration can trigger symptoms like dizziness, headaches, fatigue, confusion, and dark urine. This poses increased risks for older adults, young children, and individuals with heart or kidney issues. If you feel unwell in the heat, find a cooler location, sip water slowly, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist. 3. Check if your medication heightens sunburn risk. Several common medications can significantly increase your skin’s susceptibility to sunburn, even with mild sun exposure. This includes specific antibiotics, diuretics, antidepressants, and acne or eczema treatments. Pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen may also cause mild sun sensitivity, but this is generally a concern only with frequent or prolonged use. A particularly cautious approach is needed for methotrexate, used to manage conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, and cancer. This medication can cause extreme sensitivity to sunlight—even at low doses—leading to painful rashes, blistering, or swelling reminiscent of severe sunburn. In rare instances, these reactions could result in serious infections. The risk heightens during sunny periods, especially if you spend more time outdoors—whether walking the dog, gardening, or vacationing. Even a brief stroll during lunchtime or a sunlit train journey can trigger reactions for some individuals. If you're on any medications, always verify the patient information leaflet or check with your pharmacist regarding sun sensitivity risks. For further insights on heatwave medicine safety, visit the [NHS website](https://www.nhs.uk) and for more tips about managing your health during a heatwave, check out [Globe Migrant’s Health Tips](www.globemigrant.com/health-tips). For additional resources on health, visit www.globemigrant.com/health-resources. Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dont-let-this-heatwave-affect-your-medicines-three-important-tips-from-the-mhra

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