As temperatures soar across the UK, with forecasts predicting the hottest Spring Bank Holiday on record, a pharmacist has warned that common medicines may become less effective or unsafe if not stored correctly. Thorrun Govind, a Manchester-based pharmacist and former chair of the Royal College of Pharmacy, highlighted insulin as a key example of a medication that can be affected by high temperatures.
Ms Govind advised that medicines requiring refrigeration or temperature-controlled storage need particular care during heatwaves. She urged patients to check storage instructions, keep medicines in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and avoid leaving them in hot environments such as parked cars. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has previously cautioned that numerous medications can deteriorate in hot weather.
The MHRA notes that most medicines should be kept below 25°C, yet temperatures in cars, trains, and buses can soar during summer heatwaves. Rooms exposed to direct sunlight, as well as handbags, backpacks, and pockets, can also become warm enough to compromise medicines. Heat can degrade active ingredients, potentially rendering treatments less effective, including tablets, inhalers, hormone patches, insulin, and EpiPens.
Patients are advised to watch for signs of heat damage, such as changes in colour, texture, or odour. They should read the patient information leaflet thoroughly and store medicines in the coolest area of the home, away from sunlight. When travelling, medicines should not be left in parked vehicles or warm bags; a cool bag may help safeguard temperature-sensitive medication during long days out.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a five-day health alert for the North East, where highs of 28°C are forecast. Anyone who notices a change in how they feel or suspects their medication is not performing as expected during hot weather is urged to seek advice from a pharmacist or GP.
