Smooth Return to School

January 19, 2022

By: Corykris Calleja
Pharmacy Services Department

As we enter the summer months, temperature and humidity will soar and fluctuate. Did you know that extreme summer heat and humidity can impact your medications?

Medication Heat Interactions

Medication Degradation and Delivery Device Damage

Many medications can lose their efficacy and be damaged when stored in areas with extremely hot temperatures, high humidity or when exposed to excessive light. For example,

Insulin: Can be stored at room temperature once opened, but extreme heat will make it less effective.
EpiPen: extreme heat can cause the pen to malfunction and deliver less dose of epinephrine.
Inhalers: can burst when stored in ambient heat.

Tips:

Store your medication in a cool dry place except for the ones that require refrigeration.
Keep medications at room temperature between 15°C – 25°C.
Never leave your medications in the trunk of the car or direct sunlight.

Photosensitivity

Some medications can increase your sensitivity to the sun causing you to develop a sunburn faster and increase your risk of skin cancer. For example,

Acne medications: Isotretinoin
Analgesics: Naproxen, Ibuprofen
Antibiotics: Tetracycline, Fluoroquinolones
Antifungals: Metronidazole, Voriconazole
Cholesterol-lowering medications: Atorvastatin, Simvastatin
Birth control pills

Tips:

Avoid the sun and stay indoors during the peak sun hours.
Wear protective clothing such as sunglasses, hats, light-colored long-sleeve shirts and long pants.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that can filter UVA and UVB rays, preferably with SPF 30 or more.

Risk of Medications Interfering with Thermoregulation and/or Fluid Balance

Our body can cool down when it is hot and humid. However, some medications may interfere with that process. Heat exhaustion and dehydration can impact the effectiveness of medications and increase the risk of potential side effects. For example,

Antihistamine allergy medications: can reduce sweating.
Antipsychotics and antidepressants: can cause impaired sweating, sedation and cognitive impairment.
Beta blockers: can cause reduced blood flow to the skin making it harder to cool down.
Bipolar disorder medications: can increase the need to urinate.
Diuretics: can cause electrolyte imbalance and reduced thirst sensation.

Tips:

Stay hydrated.
Skip hard physical activity in high heat.
Wear light loose-fitting clothes.
Stay indoors or in shaded areas when it is very hot.

It is important to adhere to your medication regimen consistently, even during extreme weather conditions. Since not all medication examples are listed above, always consult your physician about any potential side effects before using any medication.