Friday health warning for people taking inhalers, contraceptives, insulin and more

Friday health warning for people taking inhalers, contraceptives, insulin and more The MHRA is reminding everyone that heat and improper storage can impact the effectiveness of certain medications The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a new alert today (Friday, July 17), affecting anyone who takes medication. It comes as the UK has faced its third heatwave of the year so far, with forecasters from the Met Office and BBC Weather indicating that "significant bursts" of high heat will remain a persistent theme through the remainder of July and into August. Often left in a warm bag or on a sunny windowsill, medication can easily be forgotten as summer temperatures climb. In the health update, the MHRA warns of the risks of hot weather for medicine and reminds millions of people across the UK of the importance of properly storing medication during hot weather, as medicines require careful storage to remain safe and effective. Many medications are specifically designed to be stored below 25°C, and exposure to heat can compromise their stability and potency. While some require refrigeration, many others must be kept at room temperature. The MHRA says this is crucial for items such as insulin, certain inhalers, skin creams, and some contraceptives. The same caution applies to medical devices, including blood glucose monitors and insulin testing strips. Always check the storage instructions provided with your specific medication or device to ensure they remain safe and effective throughout your trip. Keep medication out of direct sunlight and avoid humid or fluctuating areas like bathrooms or window sills. Never leave medications in a parked car, as temperatures can quickly exceed 40°C. Be cautious about heat damage. If your medication has changed its colour, has an odd smell, or has melted, bring it to your pharmacist for guidance. Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer, said: "During the summer, places such as parked cars, packed suitcases, caravans, and sunny rooms can get far hotter than people expect. For some medicines, these conditions can affect how well they work. Checking the storage instructions that come with your medicine, and storing it correctly, only takes a few minutes but can help ensure it remains safe and effective when you need it." It is best to keep your medicines somewhere cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight. The MHRA is encouraging people to check the patient information leaflet or packaging for storage instructions. Patient information leaflets are available online via the MHRA website. Some medicines need refrigeration, others need protection from light or heat. Avoid leaving medicines in cars, suitcases, or other places that can become very hot, particularly during summer travel. Store medicines at home somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sunlight, and avoid keeping them in bathrooms or near sources of heat. Speak to a pharmacist if you are unsure how a medicine should be stored or if you think it may have been exposed to excessive heat. Anyone who suspects their medicine isn’t working as it should is encouraged to speak to a pharmacist or doctor and report suspected issues to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. Visit the MHRA website for more 'summer-proof your health' advice, including guidance on medicines, medical devices and staying safe in hot weather.