Hot Weather, Cold Meds: How to Store Your Medication Safely in Summer
Summer heat in Toronto isn’t just uncomfortable; it can also affect the safety and effectiveness of your medications. Many prescriptions and over-the-counter products are temperature-sensitive. If stored improperly, they can lose potency, become unstable, or harmful. At Dundas West Pharmacy, we want to make sure your health isn’t compromised by a simple storage mistake.
Why Heat Affects Medications
Most medications are meant to be stored at room temperature (15°C to 25°C). When exposed to heat or humidity, the chemical structure of certain drugs can break down. This can lead to:
- Reduced effectiveness
- Increased side effects
- Potential health risks
Some medications can also spoil without visible signs, making it easy to miss.
Medications Most Sensitive to Heat
While all medications should be kept cool and dry, the following are especially heat-sensitive:
- Insulin
- Thyroid medications
- Certain antibiotics and liquid suspensions
- Nitroglycerin tablets
- Biologics and injectables
Inhalers
Even common items like acetaminophen or aspirin can degrade faster when overheated.
Where NOT to Store Your Medications
- In Your Car:
Temperatures inside a parked car can soar above 50°C. Never leave medications inside, even briefly. - In the Bathroom:
Warm, humid air from showers can reduce the shelf life of medications. Stick to cool, dry spots like a bedroom drawer. - Near Windows or Appliances:
Keep medications away from direct sunlight, ovens, heaters, or windowsills.
Tips for Travelling with Medications
Flying?
- Keep meds in your carry-on. Checked luggage may face extreme temperatures.
- Bring a doctor’s note for any syringes or large quantities.
- Use a small cooler pack for heat-sensitive items.
Using Insulin or Injectables?
- Use an insulated travel case with a cold pack.
- Don’t let medication touch the ice directly.
- Avoid freezing, which can ruin the medication.
What to Do if Your Medication Gets Too Hot
If your medication was left in a hot car, in direct sunlight, or outside the fridge longer than it should be, don’t take it until you speak to your pharmacist. We can help determine if it’s still safe or needs replacing. Medication storage matters more than most people realize, especially during a hot Toronto summer.
Have questions about how to store your medications properly or travel safely with them? Visit Dundas West Pharmacy or give us a call. Our pharmacists are here to help you stay safe, cool, and protected.
