The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a warning that high temperatures can compromise the effectiveness of medicines and impact how the body responds to them, particularly for individuals managing long-term conditions.
Overheating Risks
Many medicines require storage below 25°C, as heat can degrade active ingredients in various forms, including tablets, inhalers, insulin, and EpiPens, rendering them ineffective. Specific care is also needed for medicines that must be kept refrigerated.
Dehydration Concerns
Certain medications, such as diuretics, blood pressure medicines, some diabetes treatments (such as insulin and metformin), antipsychotics, and stimulants, can heighten the risk of dehydration or make it harder for the body to regulate its temperature during hot weather.
Sunburn Sensitivity
Some common medicines, including certain antibiotics, diuretics, antidepressants, and notably methotrexate, can significantly increase skin sensitivity to the sun, potentially leading to severe reactions like painful rashes or blistering.
Medication Care Advice
The MHRA advises people to store medicines in the coolest part of the house, avoid leaving them in hot vehicles or bags, read patient information leaflets for storage instructions and side effects, and consult a pharmacist or doctor if they notice changes in their medicine's appearance, effectiveness, or their own well-being.
