Patients taking omeprazole, esomeprazole, and lansoprazole for heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion are being urged to check the storage instructions on their medication labels as the UK faces a severe heatwave with temperatures reaching up to 40°C. The NHS advises that most medicines should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture to maintain their effectiveness.
Storage Guidelines for Proton Pump Inhibitors
According to the NHS, many common medications, including statins, beta blockers, inhalers, antidepressants, and proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole, need to be stored below 25°C. The electronic medicines compendium lists specific advice for omeprazole: "Do not store above 25°C. Keep the bottle tightly closed in order to protect from light and moisture." Similar instructions apply to esomeprazole and lansoprazole.
Pharmacies are advising patients to keep their medicines in regulated rooms and avoid places with temperature fluctuations, such as conservatories or cars. The National Pharmacy Association states: "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. When temperatures climb, medicine can lose its effectiveness, or in some cases, cause unwanted side effects."
Impact of High Temperatures on Medication
During last month's heatwave, Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), warned: "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." She added that some medicines can increase sensitivity to sun, cause dizziness, or lead to dehydration, especially for those with asthma, heart disease, or diabetes.
The NHS advises patients to check the label of their medication for specific storage instructions. Some medicines require refrigeration or protection from light. For room-temperature medicines, it is crucial to keep them below 25°C. Patients can also search for their medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.
Practical Tips for Medication Storage During Heatwave
The National Pharmacy Association recommends 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. The MHRA 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."
Patients are urged to read the patient information leaflet and consult a healthcare professional if they have any questions about storing their medication during the heatwave.
