During the summer, it’s important to consider how you will keep your medicines safe to ensure their effectiveness. A government study found that medication storage practices fell short in many households. The National Library of Medicine advises, “Storing your medicines properly can help to ensure they work as they should as well as prevent poisoning accidents.”
Certain medications can break down or lose their strength faster when stored in very hot or cold conditions. Each type of medication reacts differently to temperature changes, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach to finding the right temperature for keeping your medicines safe.
Even over-the-counter (OTC) medications can be affected by extreme temperatures. In the past, medicines were made from materials that didn’t hold up well in extreme weather. Modern medications are more durable, but the temperature still matters. Solid medications like tablets and capsules are generally less likely to degrade in the heat, but liquids and injections are vulnerable to temperature changes.
Some prescription drugs, especially liquids and injectables like Ozempic and Mounjaro for diabetics and Wegovy and Saxenda for weight loss, should be kept refrigerated because they are especially sensitive to heat and could lose effectiveness quickly if left at room temperature. If exposed to heat for too long, aspirin pills break down, creating compounds that can irritate the stomach. Oral contraceptives, like Mircette, can lose their effectiveness if exposed to heat, which could lead to an unwanted pregnancy. Besides temperature, factors like light exposure, humidity, and storage containers can also impact medications.
Almost all medications will carry advice on the packaging with storage instructions. Still, it is always a good idea to speak to a pharmacist if you have any doubts about what’s necessary for keeping your medicines safe..
Best Practices for Keeping Your Medicines Safe in the Summer
When choosing a good spot for your medications, think about safety, access, climate, and your daily routine. Always check the packaging for the recommended storage temperature. Because temperature, light, and humidity can affect medications, it’s best to store non-refrigerated medications in a cool, dry place, like a kitchen cabinet, away from heat sources like an oven. Make sure that medications are out of reach for children and pets. Despite its name, the bathroom medicine cabinet is often not ideal due to humidity from showers and baths. If you have trouble remembering to take your meds, keep them in a visible spot that fits into your routine, or use an app or phone alarm to serve as a reminder.
Some medicines, like hormone injections for IVF and unopened insulin vials, need to be kept in the fridge. Only a few, such as vaccine injections, need to be frozen. Most medicines don’t need refrigeration and can actually be harmed by the changing temperatures in home fridges. They might even freeze and get damaged by ice crystals. Only put medicines in the fridge if they say, “Refrigerate, do not freeze.” Keep them in the main compartment, away from the door and cooling vents. If you’re unsure, ask your pharmacist.
Expert Hacks For Storing Your Medication
While no one rule governs storage for all kinds of medication, there are some tips and tricks that can help you keep most medicines safe and effective:
- To prevent damage to your medication, be aware that exposure to heat, air, light, and moisture can be harmful. Keep your medicines in a cool, dry location. For instance, you can place them in a drawer or cabinet in the bedroom or kitchen, away from heat sources like stoves or hot water tanks.
- Always keep medicine in its original container.
- Remove the cotton ball from the bottle since it draws moisture into it.
- Ask your pharmacist about any specific storage instructions if you need clarification.
- Damaged medicine may make you sick. Do not take:
- Medication that has altered in color, texture, or odor, regardless of its expiration date.
- Pills that clump are harder or softer than usual or show cracks or chips.
- Check the expiration date on your medicine and safely get rid of any unused medicines.
Traveling with Medications in Hot Weather
Traveling with medications can be tricky, depending on how you travel and how long you’ll be on the road. It’s best to keep your medications in a carry-on or personal bag that stays with you and is kept in a controlled climate. Avoid leaving them in checked luggage or in a car overnight. Prescription drugs should stay in their labeled containers, and OTC meds should remain in their original packaging to protect them from the weather and other elements.
Taking Medication In The Car
When traveling by car, avoid storing medication in the glove compartment or trunk, including within luggage. For medications requiring refrigeration, such as certain liquid drugs or injectables, place them in an insulated lunch bag with a freezer pack.
Taking Medication On An Airplane
Air travelers often ask if they can bring their prescription medication with them, and the answer is yes, but there are some things to keep in mind. First and foremost, be aware that what may be legal and prescribed in the United States may be illegal in other countries. Always check with a travel doctor if you can bring your medication into the country you are traveling to. In the USA, you don’t need to show your medication to security or tell them about it unless it’s in liquid form. It’s recommended to place medications in your carry-on in case you need them during the flight. Many travelers bring a small cooler bag with their own TSA-approved ice pack. If that’s not an option, or the flight is much longer than an ice pack lasts, ask the flight attendant for some ice in a sick bag as a quick and easy ice-pack replacement!
Keeping Medication In A Hotel Room
Make sure to book hotel rooms that have a refrigerator. You might need to call the hotels beforehand to confirm this. When you arrive, check the fridge’s temperature and understand how it works. Some hotel fridges don’t get cold enough for biological medications and may have an energy-saving mode that turns them off after a few hours or if you leave the room and take the key card out of its slot. Bringing a cooler or having bags ready for ice as a backup to keep your medications cool is a good idea.
FAQ: How to tell if medication has gone bad?
Since 1979, the FDA has required an expiry date on prescription and over-the-counter medications. This date is super important as it tells you if the product is still safe and effective. You can find the expiry date on the label or stamped on the bottle or box, often after “EXP.” Make sure to follow this date closely, as taking meds past their expiry can be risky.
But sometimes, medication can go bad even within the expiry date, especially if it has been stored incorrectly. Sometimes, it is easy to tell if a pill looks different—the color, texture, or shape might change, but not every time. If you’re unsure about a medicine, talk to your pharmacist. If you’ve left refrigerated medicine out too long, contact the maker or throw it away and get a fresh one.
FAQ: How do you store medication when camping?
Camping with medication can be tricky but manageable. The easiest solution is to have a refrigerator in your camping trailer. Alternatively, you can use coolers that plug into your vehicle’s 12-volt outlet, but be aware they may not keep your medication cold enough if it’s too hot outside. In milder weather, these plug-in coolers might work well. If you don’t have a fridge, use a cooler and regularly replace the ice while monitoring the temperature. Check ahead to see if your campground sells ice or if you’ll need to drive into town for supplies.
FAQ: What temperature should medications be stored at?
Most oral medications work best when stored between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit, but you should always check the label or chat with a pharmacist to make sure this is the case with your particular medication. If stored outside this range, medications can start to break down. Similarly, glucose meters and diagnostic testing strips can be affected by heat, cold, and moisture.
Some medications, like biologics, unopened insulin, and various injectable drugs, need to be refrigerated. Most pills, including common pain relievers like Cartia (aspirin) or Relafen, are usually OK at room temperature but can be sensitive to light and moisture.
