Many prescription medicines must be stored below 25°C to remain safe and effective. During summer or heatwaves, especially when temperatures rise above 30°C, you need to take extra care.
This guide explains what to do to keep your medicines safe at home or while travelling.
❓ Why It Matters
Medicines exposed to too much heat can:
-
Lose effectiveness
-
Change in appearance or texture
-
Become unsafe to use
This is especially true for:
-
Antibiotics
-
Inhalers
-
Liquid medicines
-
Hormone tablets (e.g. thyroxine)
-
Biologics or injectables (some require refrigeration)
📦 What “Store Below 25°C” Means
-
This refers to room temperature – ideally between 15°C and 25°C.
-
Some medicines may tolerate brief periods above 25°C, but prolonged heat can degrade them.
-
Do not refrigerate medicines unless specifically instructed – cold can also damage some drugs.
🏠 At Home: Tips for Keeping Medicines Cool
| ✅ Do | ❌ Avoid |
|---|---|
| Store in a cool, dark place | Windowsills or near radiators |
| Use a shaded cupboard or wardrobe | Kitchen cupboards near ovens |
| Consider an insulated box (without ice) | Bathrooms (can get hot and humid) |
| Monitor the temperature with a small digital thermometer | Leaving in direct sunlight |
You can buy inexpensive thermometers online to check storage temperatures.
🌞 In a Heatwave
If indoor temperatures go above 25°C for more than a few hours:
-
Move medicines to the coolest part of your home (e.g. north-facing room or basement).
-
Close blinds and curtains during the day to keep rooms cooler.
-
Use fans or portable air conditioners if available.
-
Keep medicines away from heat-generating electronics.
✈️ Travelling or on Holiday
-
Never leave medicine in a hot car, especially glove boxes or boots.
-
Use a cool bag, insulated travel pouch, or medication wallet with a cooling gel pack.
-
In hotels, store medicines in a shaded cupboard or the fridge only if the label allows it.
-
Avoid storing medicines in your luggage if it may be left in the sun or overheated.
✅ Signs Your Medicine May Be Affected
Contact your pharmacist if:
-
The medicine looks or smells different
-
Tablets have melted, crumbled or discoloured
-
Liquids have separated or changed consistency
-
You’re unsure whether the medicine has been exposed to prolonged heat
🗨️ What the NHS and UK Pharmacists Say
-
Short-term exposure to temperatures slightly above 25°C is usually not harmful.
-
Medicines stored above 25°C for several days may need to be replaced – ask your pharmacist.
-
Pharmacies use temperature-controlled storage and monitor heat during hot weather – you can do the same at home.
Sources include NHS Trusts, SPS (Specialist Pharmacy Service), and Royal Pharmaceutical Society guidance.
📋 Quick Tips Checklist
✅ Keep medicines in their original packaging
✅ Avoid windowsills, kitchens, and bathrooms
✅ Use a shaded, cool cupboard or wardrobe
✅ Monitor room temperatures during heatwaves
✅ Carry medicines in a cool bag when travelling
✅ Check for changes in medicine appearance
✅ Ask a pharmacist if in doubt
📞 Need advice?
Speak to your pharmacist or GP if you’re unsure whether a medicine has been affected by heat or if it still seems safe to use.
Latest News posts
News archive