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How to store medicines in the heatHow to store medicines in the heat
Hot weather and the holiday season are upon us again, so it’s time to think about storing medicines. Some medicines lose their effectiveness when stored above the maximum temperature recommended for the medicine. Some medicines can change their form and become difficult to use. Gelatin capsules may soften and stick together, ointments and creams may become runny, and suppositories may melt.
In general, medicines should be stored away from heat, moisture and sunlight. However, check the label and the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) leaflet for storage instructions, and talk to your pharmacist if you have any questions.
At home
Most medicines should be stored below 25°C or 30°C. Don’t leave them in a warm place, such as above the stove or in front of a west-facing window. Rather, find a cool, dry place out of the sight and reach of children. The fridge is not the best place, because it is usually too cold and too wet.
If you live in the tropics, store them in a part of the house that is cool and dry. For example, store them in an airtight container in your linen cupboard. Make sure you check regularly to see that they remain dry, especially during the wet season.
Many liquid medicines and injection vials should be stored in the fridge, but store in the fridge only if the label says so. The fridge means the main compartment of the fridge, not the freezer. If the medicines accidentally freeze, check with a pharmacist to make sure they are still usable.
Out and about
If you have to take your medicines while out and about, take with you only what you need for the day, and leave the remainder at home. Medicines that should be stored below 25°C or 30°C are unlikely to be affected by one hot day. Medicines normally kept in the fridge can be put in a small esky or insulated lunchbox.
When travelling
Storing medicines while travelling in hot weather is not easy, and often requires considerable ingenuity. Above all, don’t store them in the glove box or on the dashboard. Rather, find a solution that keeps them as cool and dry as possible.
MedicinesTalk is a free quarterly newsletter for consumers written by consumers about using medicines wisely. Subscribe to the hard copy version using our online ordering system, or write to MedicinesTalk, National Prescribing Service Limited, PO Box 1147, Strawberry Hills, NSW 2012.
Date published: 2010-10-27 00:00:00
Reasonable care is taken to provide accurate information at the date of creation. This information is not intended as a substitute for medical advice from a qualified health professional. Health professionals should rely on their own expertise and enquiries when providing medical advice or treatment. Where permitted by law, NPS disclaims all liability (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or injury resulting from reliance on or use of this information. Read our full disclaimer.
References to brands should not be taken as an endorsement by NPS.
