Whilst the warmer weather or holidays abroad might have left us for a short while, they will return again soon (we hope!).

In preparation for another heatwave, we’ve collated some information below which will help to identify particular risks you should be aware of relating to medicines.

The government has already provided:

• general advice on how to look after yourself and others during a heatwave;
• advice for care managers, health care professionals and staff in the Heatwave Plan for England

During a heatwave, factors to consider in relation to the use of medicines include:

• Appropriate storage of medicines, as some medicines could deteriorate in the hot conditions.
• Side effects of some medicines which may affect a person’s response to heat and increase the risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

It is not possible to identify every medicine, or group that may be implicated in being affected by heat, but here is some guidance to help direct your attention.

Storage of Medicines

• Medicines that must be stored in a fridge may deteriorate in a heatwave if the fridge does not keep the medication cool enough. Remember they must be stored between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius. Be careful when adjusting the fridge that the medicine doesn’t freeze.
• For medicines that are not normally stored in a fridge, manufacturers generally guarantee that they remain stable if stored below 25 degrees Celsius. In a heatwave, ambient temperatures may rise above this. To protect these medicines, they should be stored somewhere cool out of direct sunlight. Avoid places that get very hot
• Hospital wards and any other establishments where medicines are stored should monitor room temperatures during a heatwave.
• Some products are particularly prone to deteriorate in the heat, and these include creams and lotions, which may separate out, and some types of capsules which may melt or split.
• Remember to ask your ward pharmacist about any specific products you’re not sure about or call the medicines information hotline on 0843 506 5554.

Side Effects of Medicines

• The elderly, young children, and people with heart or respiratory conditions are examples of individuals at greater risk of harm in hot environments
• Some medicines may cause multiple side effects which affect the body’s heat response e.g. antipsychotics can cause decreased sweating, raised body temperature, and hypotension; they may also adversely affect CNS thermoregulation.
• Some medicines pose particular risks by causing hypohidrosis (reduced perspiration) such as topiramate
• Certain medical conditions carry risks because affected patients may take a variety of medicines affecting heat tolerance (e.g. Parkinson’s disease)

The information provided is by no means exhaustive; if you have any queries related to the above, these can be forwarded to your ward pharmacist or our medicines information hotline on 0843 506 5554