Heat waves can make everyday things harder, like sleeping, working, cooking, getting around, and keeping our homes cool.
They can also create health risks we don’t always think about. High temperatures can damage some medications, making them less effective when you need them.
Heat can also affect how your body responds to certain medicines, increasing your risk of dehydration or heat-related illness.
With heat warnings across parts of Canada and humidex values climbing toward 40°C in Ontario and Quebec, now is a good time to make sure your medications are ready for the hottest days of summer.
We’ve gathered practical advice from trusted medical sources to help you store your medications safely and stay well during extreme heat.
1. Store medications somewhere cool and dry
Most medications should be stored at room temperature, usually between 15°C and 25°C.
Choose a cool, dry place like a bedroom dresser, linen closet, or cupboard away from direct sunlight.
Bathrooms, windowsills, and cupboards above the stove can get hot and humid, which may cause some medications to lose their strength over time.
Unless the label says otherwise, don’t move medications to the fridge, as cold can also cause damage.
2. Never leave medications in a hot car
It can be tempting to keep your daily medications in the glove box so they’re always close by. But parked cars heat up quickly, even on days that don’t feel especially hot.
If you’re running errands, bring your medications with you instead of leaving them in the car where high temperatures can damage some medicines.
3. Know the signs of heat damage
If your medication has been exposed to high heat, check it before taking it.
Some signs to look out for include pills that:
- have changed colour
- are stuck together or melting
- crumble more easily than usual
- have an unusual smell
If something doesn’t look right, call your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible to ask for guidance and see if you need a replacement.
4. Make a plan for power outages
Some medications, including many types of insulin and other injectable medicines, need to stay refrigerated.
If the power goes out, keep the refrigerator door closed as much as possible and have a cooler and ice packs ready if the outage lasts.
If you’re not sure whether a medication is still safe after getting too warm, check with your doctor or pharmacist before using it.
5. Know how your medications affect you in the heat
Some medications can make it harder for your body to handle hot weather. They can make you more likely to become dehydrated, feel dizzy, or overheat.
This includes some medications used to treat high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, anxiety, allergies, ADHD, and seizures.
Keep taking your medication unless your doctor tells you otherwise. If you’re not sure how heat might affect your medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist if there are any extra precautions you should take during a heat wave.
Further reading:
Dose of Awe: The people growing a rainforest