Friday, July 27, 2012

Summer - Great for the Beach; Bad for Meds

The summer is here...and it's only going to get warmer...okay, hot.  And just like babies and animals, meds should not be locked up in hot cars!

I was talking with my friendly pharmacist who does to want to be identified by name (but works at the Target in Anaheim at Euclid and Lincoln) and he reminded me that meds (pills and capsules) should not be exposed to high heat - like that in a closed car or car trunk.  Why? He said they lose potency - something happens to the meds that is caused by heat that makes them less effective.  It does not make them dangerous (unless they are supposed to be refrigerated).

What do meds need to retain their strength? Meds need to be kept at room temperatures - about 80 to 85F.  The interior of a locked car can easily get to 120F.  And, a closed car trunk can get crazy hot.  If you are taking that big road trip this Summer, carry the meds with you in the air conditioned car. 

By the way - this applies to all meds - diabetic meds, antibiotics, even aspirin! 

There's more information for you to read here.

As always, thank you for reading!


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