Do your medications wait for you for hours in your mailbox?
Might outside cold or heat affect their potency?
They may be affected by temperature changes.
Have you read your requirements?
This would either be listed on the bottle itself or on the patient leaflet that is attached to your medicine on pickup or delivery.
When in doubt, ask your pharmacist or medicine supplier.
Fluctuations in temperature affect the chemicals and stability of your medication.
It could lower its effectiveness.
Sometimes we find it more convenient to order medicines online or have our pharmacy home-deliver it. But how do we know our medicine hasn’t been affected?
Most medicines require cold storage between 35 to 42 degrees Fahrenheit.
Try to avoid temperatures above 86 degrees.
Make sure your fridge is at the correct temperature when storing these medications, especially if it has an automatic defrost setting.
You might want to have a backup small fridge for these purposes.
Some medicines can be room temperature which is 68 to 77 degrees.
Do not ever let medicines exceed 104 degrees.
In ordering your medications online or through a company, make sure the temperatures will not affect your medication if delivered to your home.
Check your medications before you take them.
If they are stuck together, show changes in form or shape or the coating appears different or “runny,” your medication may have been compromised.
If in doubt, check with your pharmacist to make sure you are getting the most from your medicine for the best treatment.
Next week: Is your sleep harmful or helpful?