As summer temperatures climb, pharmacists say the heat can do more than make people uncomfortable – it can also reduce the effectiveness of medications and increase the risk of dehydration and other heat-related health problems.

Lisa Heiken, PharmD, a pharmacist, medications exposed to extreme temperatures can lose their effectiveness, particularly those that require refrigeration, such as insulin.

Any medication, if it's left in extreme temperatures, can degrade the effectiveness. Heiken says that includes over-the-counter meds such as Tylenol, ibuprofen, or supplements such as vitamin C or magnesium.

She adds that heat and cold can damage refrigerated medications, making them potentially less effective when patients need them most.

Many people also unknowingly store medications in one of the worst possible places – the bathroom. Although medicine cabinets are common, the humidity created by showers can break down tablets and capsules over time.

Don’t use a medicine cabinet

“A lot of bathrooms unfortunately do have medicine cabinets, and we don’t recommend you leave medication in the medicine cabinet as those rooms tend to have high humidity and the humidity is what breaks down medication.”

Instead, she recommends storing medications in a cool, dry location elsewhere in the home, such as a hallway closet.

Summer errands can also put medications at risk.

“Like leaving your child in the car, same with your medications. Your medications can be affected, even by short times in extreme temperatures so we do recommend that if you’re stopping by the pharmacy that you make your next stop at home, especially if you have refrigerated medications.”

Heiken advises anyone who accidentally leaves medication in a hot car not to throw it away immediately. Instead, patients should contact their pharmacist, who can assess factors such as how long the medication was exposed to heat and whether it may still be safe and effective to use.

Meds can make you vulnerable to heat/sun

Beyond proper storage, some medications can make people more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

“A lot of heart and blood pressure medication can cause people to become dehydrated faster or dizziness as a side effect in general and so when you add heat and dehydration on top of that, that obviously will compound that problem,” Heiken explains.

Heiken encourages anyone taking antibiotics and certain other medications, to make sure to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing or stay out of the sun because the drugs can make you more sensitive to sunlight.

Bottom line, Heiken says, don’t blow off a discussion with the pharmacist when you begin taking a new medication.

“Opting into the counseling will allow you to better understand your medication and prevent future issues like dehydration and dizziness.”

As temperatures remain high throughout the summer, Heiken said a few simple precautions — proper storage, staying hydrated and understanding medication side effects — can help keep medications effective and people safe.

Lisa Heiken is the manager of OSF Eastland Pharmacy in Bloomington, Illinois.

Video clips of Lisa Heiken

B-roll-Medication and weather

For most adults, spring and summer thunderstorms bring the annoyance of driving in a downpour.

But others dread this time of year for migraines triggered by the environment.

What are migraines?

Aminat Ogun, MD, a family medicine physician at OSF HealthCare, describes migraines as episodic disorders that cause severe, throbbing headaches, usually on one side of the brain.

The list of triggers is, unfortunately, long.

“Emotional stress can trigger migraines. Moving, changing jobs, other stressful life situations,” Dr. Ogun says. “A change in sleeping habits can trigger a migraine. Skipping a meal. Your diet: wine, aged cheese, coffee withdrawal and foods high in nitrates.”

Other common triggers include hormones, bright lights, loud sounds and changes in altitude. A propensity for frequent headaches can also run in the family, Dr. Ogun says.

You can prepare

Dr. Ogun says not much is known about weather-induced migraines. But most medical professionals agree there is some evidence for migraines caused by changes in barometric pressure.

How can you prepare?

“Up and move,” Dr. Ogun says, tongue firmly planted in cheek.

More realistically, watch the weather forecast. If there’s a chance for a lot of dust or smoke in the air (think areas like California or Arizona), plan to limit time outside.

Stock up on medication after talking with your health care provider. Dr. Ogun says over-the-counter medicine like ibuprofen will help with pain and can even be taken ahead of when you know a migraine is coming.

“They could have a headache diary where they write down what causes their headaches, where the pain is located, how long does it last, symptoms and what treatment helps,” Dr. Ogun adds.

If your migraines are more frequent, feel different, or come with other symptoms like confusion, neck rigidity, weakness in the arms or legs, fever or chills, see a doctor right away. Some of those symptoms may be signs of a heart attack or stroke.

Any head trauma, like a sports injury or a car crash, should also be checked on by a doctor.

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Previous coverage

One big headache
June is national migraine and headache awareness month
A good calendar may be able to help you fight headaches
Three steps to help with severe or frequent headaches
When should you see a specialist for your headaches?
Weather changes can be a pain for migraine sufferers