ABDA: Protect Medications from Summer Heat

The German Pharmacists Association (ABDA) is highlighting the importance of protecting medications from summer heat. High temperatures, especially in direct sunlight or hot vehicles, can reduce the effectiveness and alter the composition of medicines.

Car interiors can reach dangerously high temperatures on hot days, exceeding 70 degrees Celsius on the dashboard or rear shelf. ABDA recommends storing medications at floor level, under front seats, or in the trunk, where temperatures remain significantly cooler. Proper storage during long car journeys is also crucial.

"If a medication is stored incorrectly, its efficacy can be reduced, even if the change is not visible externally," stated Dr. Hannes Müller, a member of ABDA's executive board. While tablets and capsules tolerate temperature fluctuations relatively well, asthma inhalers, for example, can lose dosing accuracy and effectiveness if overheated. Suppositories can melt and should not be used after thawing, as active ingredients may distribute unevenly. Creams can also suffer from heat, affecting their consistency and stability.

Certain medications, such as insulins and biological drugs, require "cool" storage, below 8 degrees Celsius, even in summer. These should be kept in the refrigerator and transported using cooling containers. ABDA reminds that medications should not come into direct contact with cooling elements, as freezing can render them unusable. Proper storage is essential both at home and during transport from the pharmacy to the patient.