In the midst of the scorching summer, the heat can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, silently threatening human health and amplifying the side effects of many common medications.
Recently, an article by the Associated Press warned the public that hot weather may damage medications that require refrigeration, such as insulin; it may also cause medical devices like inhalers to explode and lead to malfunctions in devices like EpiPens; and medications sent by mail may also spoil.
The article advises consumers to pay attention to common issues related to high temperatures and medications, and to understand the solutions.
Antihypertensive medications can reduce the fluidity of blood in the body, potentially leading to dehydration. Beta-blockers used to treat heart disease can decrease the blood flow to the skin, reducing the body’s ability to perceive the dangers of high temperatures.
Certain antidepressant medications can hinder the body’s ability to stay cool. Aspirin and other over-the-counter pain relievers may also lower the body’s fluid and sodium levels, making it harder for the body to cope with high temperatures.
Furthermore, the combination of high temperatures and medication side effects may also cause dizziness and falls.
Bradley Phillips, a pharmacist at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy, stated that consuming alcohol can also increase the risks of high temperatures.
Phillips recommends that people drink water regularly, keep themselves well-hydrated, not wait until feeling thirsty to drink water, as the body’s ability to sense dehydration decreases under high temperature conditions, so staying proactive in hydration is crucial.
The article also warns the public that some medications, such as antibiotics, antifungals, and acne medications, may increase the body’s sensitivity to sunlight, resulting in rashes and sunburn under intense sunlight. Dr. Mike Ren, a family doctor at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, recommends that if you are taking these medications, stay in shaded areas as much as possible, wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen, and avoid direct exposure.
Typically, medications should be stored in a cool, dry place unless refrigeration is required. However, challenges may arise during travel.
When traveling by plane, it’s best to keep medications in carry-on luggage to prevent delays or loss of checked luggage, as the temperature in the cargo hold may be too cold for medication storage.
Mail-order pharmacies are responsible for maintaining medications at safe temperatures during storage and transportation. A safe practice is to package temperature-sensitive medications in special packaging with ice packs and temperature monitors.
However, the reality doesn’t always align with best practices.
Dr. Ren pointed out that if you have to work all day or are on vacation but have mail-order medications, you certainly wouldn’t want to leave them exposed to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (about 38 degrees Celsius) under the scorching sun. If you suspect that your mail-order medications have been compromised due to high temperatures, promptly contact the pharmacy to report your concerns and medication issues.
The answer is affirmative. Researchers from the United States and Australia have stated that some common warnings regarding the effects of heat on medications lack substantial scientific evidence. Ollie Jay from the University of Sydney found that of the 11 categories of medications listed by the World Health Organization as being affected by heat, only 4 have scientific support.
He suggests that consumers change their behavior rather than altering medications to deal with high temperatures, such as staying away from heat and avoiding its dangers.
Renee Salas, an emergency room physician at Massachusetts General Hospital, emphasized the need to clearly identify which medications are most dangerous under high temperatures as climate change accelerates.
“We don’t have all the answers yet, but we need to find them quickly,” Salas stated.