Pharmacies advise patients on storing medicines safely during heatwave

Patients are being given important advice and guidance on the impact heat can have on their medicine and where to keep different medicines as the UK goes through a heatwave.

People are being advised to keep medicine below 25° C if they are able to, unless storage instructions state it needs to be kept at an alternative temperature, such as drugs that need to be refrigerated.

Most medicines that need to be kept at room temperature should be stocked in a cool dry place, away from heat zones and direct sunlight.

Medicine can lose its effectiveness and, in some cases, lead to side effects when temperatures rise.

Pharmacists warn that it is not just during a heatwave that medicines need to be stored carefully. Most medicines should routinely be kept in areas that do not exceed 25 degrees.

“As we enter a weekend of higher than average temperatures, it’s important that people take practical steps to protect their health,” said Sukhi Basra, vice-chair of the National Pharmacy Association (NPA).

“Although we can enjoy hot weather, heatwaves can quietly affect our bodies, our breathing, and even the way our medication works.

“It's important we take sensible precautions, including double checking that your medication is stored correctly in a cool dry place as per any storage instructions, ideally below 25 degrees, as well drinking plenty of fluids and keeping your homes cool in the hottest hours of the day.

“If anyone has concerns at all about their health or their medication, please speak to your local pharmacy who will be well placed to help.”

Pharmacists are also reminding patients to take precautions in the hot weather, including keeping curtains and windows in direct sunlight closed in the hottest hours of the day, drinking plenty of fluids and wearing appropriate clothing and sun protection when outdoors.

People with asthma should also remember to take their preventer inhalers, with warmer weather being a trigger for asthmatic symptoms.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office have jointly issued Heat Health Alerts, warning the high temperatures could have an impact on health and wellbeing without precautions.

“We know the hot weather can be more of a challenge for older people or those with certain health conditions and it’s important people check on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours during this period,” said Basra.