3 Ways to Keep Your Medications Safe in the Summer Heat

Hotter temperatures mean millions of Americans are at risk for dehydration and heat-linked illnesses. However, the dangers of extreme heat extend beyond just our physical well-being.

High temperatures and humidity can affect certain medications, potentially changing their appearance, potency or effectiveness. That can be especially concerning for people who rely on daily medications to manage chronic conditions or prevent serious health complications. A medication that has been damaged by heat may not work the way it is supposed to—and in some cases, you may not be able to tell that anything is wrong just by looking at it.

Whether you’re carrying medication while traveling, leaving it at home during a heat wave, or storing it in your usual spot, knowing how temperature and humidity affect different types of medications is an important part of summer health. From inhalers and liquid medications to pills and injectable drugs, proper storage can help protect the medications you depend on.

Here’s what you need to know about how summer heat can affect your medications—and the simple steps you can take to help keep them safe and effective.

The Impact of Heat on Medications

Medications, much like food, can deteriorate when exposed to high temperatures. Dr. Mike Ren, a primary care physician and associate professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, emphasized this in a recent news release. “You don’t want your medications failing on you or for their potency to decrease,” Dr. Ren stated. He explained that excessive heat can compromise various forms of medication.

Aerosolized and Liquid Medications

• Aerosolized Medications: Inhalers and other inhaled medications can be particularly susceptible to heat damage. High temperatures can degrade these medications, reducing their effectiveness. In some cases, heat can cause the propellants in aerosol medications to expand, potentially leading to canister bursts.
• Liquid or Injectable Medications: Extreme heat can dry out or evaporate these medications. This can result in the medication becoming too concentrated or losing its potency entirely, making it ineffective or unsafe to use.

Solid Medications

• Pills: While solid medications like thyroid pills or birth control may appear unaffected by heat, the active ingredients inside can degrade. This degradation can reduce the medication’s effectiveness and may lead to health complications.
• Liquid Versions of Pills: These can melt or become gummy at high temperatures, making them difficult to dose accurately and reducing their effectiveness.

RELATED: 8 Medications You Should Not Take in the Summer Heat

Steps to Protect Your Medications

Preventing heat damage to your medications involves proper storage and handling. Dr. Ren offers several practical tips to ensure medications remain effective during the summer months:

1. Remove Medications from Direct Sunlight: Direct exposure to sunlight can cause medications to overheat. Store them in a cool, shaded place to maintain their integrity.
2. Keep Medications at Room Temperature: Ideal storage locations include cupboards, nightstands, or other cool, dry environments. Avoid places with temperature fluctuations, such as bathrooms or kitchens.
3. Never Leave Medications Unattended in a Vehicle: Cars can heat up quickly, especially in summer. Leaving medications in a vehicle, even briefly, can expose them to dangerous temperatures.

What to Do if You Suspect Heat Damage

If you believe heat has compromised your medication, it’s essential to act. Dr. Ren advises contacting your pharmacy or physician for guidance. They can help determine whether the medication is still safe to use or needs to be replaced. It’s better to be cautious and ensure your medications are effective, rather than risk taking compromised drugs.

As summer temperatures rise, so do the risks associated with improper medication storage. By understanding how heat can affect medications and taking proactive steps to protect them, you can ensure your treatments remain effective and safe. Follow Dr. Ren’s storage tips to keep your medications in optimal condition, and consult healthcare professionals if you have concerns about their integrity. Your health and well-being depend on your medications’ effectiveness, so don’t let summer heat compromise your treatment.