Heat, Sun, and Your Meds: What Every Patient Should Know This Summer
As summer approaches and temperatures rise, we often remember to protect ourselves from the heat but overlook how our medications need protection too. High temperatures have the potential to damage and degrade particular drugs, compromising their safety. It’s important to practice safe medication handling and storage to maximize our fun and our health this summer.
Most medications contain the recommendation to “store at room temperature.” Room temperature implies 68-77ºF (20-25ºC). Exposures to temperatures within 59-86ºF (15-30ºC) are permitted so long as they remain brief. This typically refers to temporary temperature fluctuations that occur during transport or handling–never prolonged periods of time. When medications are left in heat for too long, they may lose their efficacy or perform suboptimally in your body.
Here are some tips to ensure adequate medication management:
#1: Never leave drugs in a car. Cars act like metal ovens and can reach an internal temperature of 109ºF after just 20 minutes on an 80-degree day, according to the CDC.
#2: If flying, never leave medication in a checked bag. Airplane cargo holds can experience extreme temperature fluctuations. It is recommended instead to keep meds in a carry-on as the airplane cabin is temperature-controlled.
#3: Avoid leaving drugs in direct sunlight. Certain antidepressants, anxiolytics, antipsychotics, liquid formulations, and injectables are light-sensitive. Keep your medications in the shade to retain their stability. Pharmacies often dispense drugs in amber vials, which are specially made to protect the contents from UV light. For this reason, it is a good practice to keep medications in their original containers.
#4: Watch out for signs of degradation. Not all product deterioration is immediately evident, but noticing physical changes is a telltale sign of compromised medication integrity. This includes changes in color, shape, or smell. If the drug appears melted or clumped, do not take your next dose. Instead, visit your local pharmacy and alert a pharmacist about your concerns to determine the next steps for obtaining new medications.
#5: Pay special attention to heat-sensitive medications. While all medications should be protected from excessive heat, some are particularly vulnerable to high temperatures. Examples include insulin, epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens®), and certain injectable biologic medications such as Adalimumab (Humira®). Exposure to heat can reduce the effectiveness of these medications, even when there are no visible signs of damage. It is ideal to follow the storage instructions provided by the manufacturer, especially when traveling.
#6: Stay hydrated! Certain medications, including stimulants, antipsychotics, and lithium, can increase your risk of dehydration. Staying hydrated prevents complications.
#7: Take extra precautions if your medications increase sun sensitivity. Some medications can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburns and other skin reactions. Examples include certain pain medications (such as NSAIDs), some antibiotics, and certain blood pressure medications. If you take one of these medications and plan to spend time outdoors, be sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade whenever possible. Taking your medication in the evening may also help reduce sun exposure during peak daylight hours. If you are unsure whether any of your medications can cause photosensitivity, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for guidance.
#8: Heat can affect how some medications are absorbed. Increased skin temperature and blood flow in hot weather may increase the absorption of medications delivered through the skin or injected under the skin, such as nicotine patches and insulin. This can raise drug concentrations in the body and increase the risk of side effects.
If you use these medications and expect prolonged heat exposure, talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any additional monitoring or precautions that may be needed. Not all heat exposures are preventable. If prolonged heat exposure is unavoidable, you can still take steps to protect your meds. Investing in a cooler or an insulated bag is a clever way to extend the viability of medication in a pinch. Just avoid direct contact with ice, since extreme cold can also alter drug efficacy.
Summer is a great time to get outside, travel, and enjoy time with family and friends, but it's important not to overlook your medications. Heat and sunlight can affect how well some medications work, so taking a few simple precautions can make a big difference. Storing medications properly, keeping them out of direct sunlight, and checking for any signs of damage can help ensure they stay safe and effective. If you are ever unsure about how to store a medication or whether it has been exposed to too much heat, do not hesitate to ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. A little preparation can go a long way in protecting both your medications and your health all summer long.