Khaberni -With temperatures in the United Kingdom reaching unprecedented levels up to 34 degrees Celsius, health authorities have issued an urgent warning about the impact of the heat wave on the safety and effectiveness of medications, amidst fears of serious health complications.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) explained that high temperatures can alter the properties of some medications, weakening their effectiveness or unexpectedly increasing their strength, which can lead to worrying health outcomes, and potentially life-threatening in some cases.
Medications under threat
Alison Cave, the chief safety officer at the agency, said: "While everyone enjoys the sun, many overlook that the high heat can spoil essential medications, failing to perform their role when the body needs them most."
The agency warned against leaving medications in places of extreme heat such as cars, near sun-exposed windows, or inside closed bags, according to "The Sun".
The list of medications most affected by heat include:
Insulin
Liquid antibiotics
Hormonal patches
Asthma sprays
Epinephrine injections (EpiPen)
And some conventional tablets as well
Medical devices are also at risk
The warnings were not just limited to medications, but also included sensitive medical devices such as those used to measure blood sugar levels, as they might provide inaccurate readings in hot or humid weather, endangering the health of users, especially those with diabetes.
How do you protect your medications during summer?
To ensure the safety of medications and devices during heat waves, authorities recommended three basic steps:
1. Proper storage
It is advised to store medications in a cool place with temperatures not exceeding 25 degrees Celsius, and to avoid exposure to direct sunlight or storage in cars.
When traveling, a cooling bag can be used to store medications. Signs of medication spoilage include changes in color, smell, or texture.
2. Combating dehydration
High temperatures lead to fluid loss, which may worsen when taking medications such as diuretics or blood pressure drugs.
Some diabetes medications and antipsychotics may impair the body’s ability to regulate heat, increasing the risk of dehydration.
Pay attention to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, poor concentration, fatigue, and changes in urine color.
3. Protection from sun
Some medications make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of burns or rashes, including antibiotics, diuretics, depression medications, acne treatments, and methotrexate, which is known for causing severe skin reactions.
When should you consult a doctor?
If you notice that your medication is no longer having the desired effect, or you start experiencing unusual symptoms in hot weather, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice, as a simple intervention may protect you from serious complications.
