Inhaler, insulin and EpiPen users issued UK government caution relevant this week

Inhaler, insulin and EpiPen users issued UK government caution relevant this week 'Essential advice' for millions of us. Millions of people using commonly-prescribed medications across the UK should take on board "essential advice" from the UK government which is again particularly relevant this week. Among the medications highlighted by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) are inhalers, insulin and EpiPens. There is also key advice on ramipril and bisoprolol, as well as other common medications. On 26 June, the MHRA re-issued guidance on safeguarding your medicines during extreme heat and remaining safe as the UK experienced a heatwave of severe temperatures which peaked at a record 37.7C. Temperatures are once more anticipated to exceed 30C in some parts of the UK on Monday (including 33C in London) and remain in the mid-to-high-20Cs for the rest of the week. This makes proper care and storage of your medication essential once again. But most medicines need to be stored at temperatures below 25C, which can be tricky in cars or on public transport, as well as in homes and workplaces. Even bags and pockets can get warm enough to cause problems, especially if you’re out all day or at a festival, sports event, or the beach. Why heat affects medications The MHRA warns: "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. Some packaging will give clear storage instructions, but not all medicines come with a visible warning." It adds that "medicines that need to be kept in the fridge – such as insulin or certain liquid antibiotics – are especially vulnerable to heat" and that if they’re left out too long or stored incorrectly "they may not work properly when you take them". How do you know if heat has affected medication? One key sign, according to the the MHRA is if your medicine has changed colour, developed an unusual smell, changed texture, or looks different in any way, this could signal heat damage. It advises you to ask your pharmacist for advice. But changes might not always be detectable in this way and the MHRA warns that heat damage can also affect how much medicine your body absorbs, potentially making your usual dose too strong or too weak. So it advises: "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." Medication can affect your body differently in heatwave Several medicines can affect your body in a more pronounced way during hot weather. For example, medicines like insulin and metformin increase the risk of dehydration and can make early symptoms harder to spot. And blood pressure medicines such as ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers can also make it harder for your body to regulate temperature (ACE inhibitors can even suppress your natural thirst response). Keep medicines safe in hot weather The MHRA advice on keeping medicines safe in the heat includes: - Store medicines somewhere cool, dry and out of direct sunlight - Avoid leaving them in cars or in bags left in sunlight - Know the signs of heat-related illness - Stay hydrated and listen to your body - Take extra care in the sun if your medicine makes your skin more likely to burn - Read the leaflet and speak to a healthcare professional if you have any questions.