Paracetamol and ibuprofen alert for millions to take action before Friday
This week's rising temperatures could be a welcome break from the cold, but it could be the reason that your next round of medication may fail.
The Met Office is forecasting highs of almost 30°C in parts of the country during the upcoming bank holiday weekend, with temperatures rising impressively from Friday, May 22. Ahead of this hot weather, people are being reminded that high temperatures can affect how well some common medicines work.
Many common medicines, like paracetamol and ibuprofen, need to be stored at temperatures below 25°C, making places like kitchen cupboards or beside table drawers ideal places. But for people who keep medication in their car, this could be an issue, as cars can heat up very quickly in direct sunlight.
On a 24°C day, the inside of a parked car can reach nearly 40°C in just ten minutes, according to Right Driver. If left unattended, this temperature continues to rise. It is important for anyone who relies on medication to ensure it is removed from their car before Friday to reduce the risk of it losing its effectiveness.
Alison Cave, chief safety officer at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), previously said that heat can break down the active ingredients in medicines, meaning they might not work when you need them.
That includes tablets, inhalers, hormone patches, insulin, and EpiPens. She said most medicines should be stored "somewhere cool, dry and out of direct sunlight", according to the packaging.
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The guidance stated: "If your medicine has changed colour, developed an unusual smell, changed texture, or looks different in any way, this could signal heat damage. Ask your pharmacist for advice.
"Heat damage can also affect how much medicine your body absorbs, potentially making your usual dose too strong or too weak. If you notice any changes in how you feel or how well your medicines seem to be working during hot weather, speak to your pharmacist or doctor."
What medications should never be left in a hot car?
When exposed to severe heat, the chemical structures of most drugs break down, making the medications ineffective. This is the case for everyday medicines as well as those prescribed for life-saving reasons.
EpiPens (Epinephrine): Adrenaline is highly heat-sensitive. High temperatures can cause the solution to degrade rapidly and lose potency. If the liquid in the viewing window looks cloudy or pink, the heat has already ruined it.
Insulin: Whether in a vial, cartridge, or pen, insulin is a protein. Extreme heat literally 'cooks' the protein, causing it to break down and fail to control your blood sugar.
Asthma Inhalers: Not only does the heat alter the medication itself, but the pressurised canister can warp or leak. In extreme cases, the heat can cause the inhaler canister to burst.
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- Nitroglycerin: Usually prescribed for people with angina, this is a notoriously unstable medication. Heat causes it to lose its potency incredibly fast, which can be fatal if you experience chest pain and rely on it.
Paracetamol and ibuprofen: The intense heat accelerates the chemical degradation. They won't turn toxic, but they lose their potency. If you take a heat-damaged paracetamol for a splitting headache or an ibuprofen for inflammation, it simply won't work effectively.
Aspirin: Heat causes it to break down into its components (salicylic acid and acetic acid). If your aspirin smells strongly of vinegar when you open the bottle, it has degraded and will likely cause severe stomach irritation if taken.
Hormone-based Medications: This includes contraceptive pills, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), and thyroid medications. Hormones are fragile proteins and heat alters their molecular structure, meaning your daily dose may no longer prevent pregnancy or regulate your thyroid.
Blood Thinners: Temperature spikes can affect the stability of medications like warfarin. This can dangerously alter your blood-clotting times.
If you take any other medication, read the label for the best way to store it to remain effective. As a precaution, do not keep any medicine in the car for a long period of time.
