NHS Issues Urgent Storage Advice for Omeprazole and Other Medications
People taking omeprazole and other common medications are being urged to check their storage labels as the UK heatwave pushes temperatures to dangerous highs, with some areas reaching 40°C. The NHS advises that most medicines should be stored in a "cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture" to ensure they remain effective and safe.
Omeprazole, widely prescribed for acid reflux, indigestion, and heartburn, must be kept below 25°C according to its packaging instructions. The electronic medicines compendium lists identical storage guidance for many omeprazole products: "Do not store above 25°C. Keep the bottle tightly closed in order to protect from light and moisture" and "Do not store above 25°C. Store in the original package in order to protect from moisture."
Risks of Improper Storage
The National Pharmacy Association warns that when temperatures climb, medicine can lose its effectiveness or cause unwanted side effects. Most medicines that need to be kept at room temperature should be stored in a cool dry place, away from heat zones and direct sunlight. Pharmacists recommend keeping curtains and windows in direct sunlight closed during the hottest hours of the day, drinking plenty of fluids, and wearing appropriate clothing and sun protection when outdoors.
During last month's heatwave, Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), stated: "Let's face it – when there's a heatwave, most of us are focused on getting outside and enjoying it while it lasts. But it's easy to forget that medicines left in the heat – in cars, bags, or on sunny windowsills – might not work properly when you need them. Some medicines can also make you more likely to burn in the sun, feel dizzy, or get dehydrated, especially if you're taking diuretics or have a condition like asthma, heart disease, or diabetes."
Practical Steps for Medication Safety
To stay safe in the heat, the NHS advises: store medicines somewhere cool, dry and out of direct sunlight – especially if you're out and about; know the signs of heat-related illness – stay hydrated and listen to your body; take extra care in the sun if your medicine makes your skin more likely to burn. For all medicines, it's important to read the leaflet and speak to a healthcare professional if you have any questions.
People can look up their medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website for specific storage instructions. Some medicines need to be refrigerated, kept out of light, or in specific containers. Room temperature medicines should be in regulated rooms and not exposed to temperature fluctuations, like conservatories on hot or cold days.
