Health experts are urging millions of Britons to check their medication labels as temperatures soar, with last week's heatwave reaching 38°C and more hot weather forecast. Certain common drugs can become less effective or cause dangerous side effects when exposed to high heat.
Eight Medications That Need Monitoring in Heat
Rhysa Phommachanh, Health Specialist at Landys Chemist, has issued an urgent warning for people on these medications. She said: “Always check your patient information leaflet for specific storage instructions, stay well hydrated, apply high-factor sunscreen, and definitely speak to a pharmacist if your medicine changes colour, smell, or texture.”
Insulin
Insulin, used by diabetics to regulate blood sugar, becomes less effective if exposed to high temperatures, potentially failing to control blood sugar. Unopened insulin must be stored between 2°C and 8°C; once opened, it should be kept at 15°C to 30°C.
EpiPens
EpiPens, crucial for severe allergic reactions, must be stored below 25°C. In hot weather, storage in an overly warm room can reduce the reliability of the dose during an anaphylactic reaction.
Asthma Inhalers
Inhalers can be affected by heat due to pressure changes within the canister, altering medication release and reducing dosage accuracy.
Diuretics
Also known as water tablets, diuretics help kidneys remove excess salt and water but increase urine output and fluid loss, leading to faster dehydration and difficulty maintaining normal temperature balance.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines can reduce sweating, limiting the body's ability to cool itself in high temperatures and increasing dehydration risk.
Antidepressants
Some antidepressants interfere with the brain's ability to regulate temperature and sweating, raising the risk of overheating and heat exhaustion.
Antibiotics
Certain antibiotics can cause photosensitivity, making skin react more strongly to UV light and increasing sunburn risk.
Acne Treatments
Acne treatments and popular skincare products like retinoids can thin the outer skin layer, making skin more sensitive to UV damage and sunburn in hot weather.
