Drugs and heat: these are the errors you could make in the summer (and that you need to avoid)

THE drugsespecially ofsummerit would be better to use them as little as possible, resorting until you can natural remedies. But how to do it best keep medicines who fill our box by safeguarding them from the heat and from the AFA?

The correct conservation of drugs It is very important. In fact, the heat could deteriorate them.

For this, some time theItalian drug agency has published a mini-guidal Which also explains what precautions must be adopted to transport medicines when you go on vacation.

1. Each drug has precise ways of conservationwhich are indicated in the illustrative leaflet. But if these are not specified, it is good to keep the medicine in a cool and dry place at a temperature of less than 25 °. And to transport it? In the event that it is not possible to keep it in the fridge and in case of trips or stays away from home, just put it in a thermal container. It is also a good practice to avoid exposing drugs to heat sources and direct solar radiation, even if they are in pressurized form (spray).
2. THE’exposure of medicines For a small time (one or two days) at temperatures above 25 ° does not affect its quality, but if this is done for a longer period of time, it considerably reduces its expiry date. In the same way, if the failure of the storage temperature for a long time could even make them harmful to health.
3. If you buy drugs, it’s better Avoid keeping them for hours in the car in the heat.
4. In summer it is preferable to use solid formulations, less susceptible to high temperatures, containing water, they are more sensitive to high temperatures.
5. For those suffering from chronic diseases Like diabetes or heart disease, it should be remembered that the alteration of a dose of a fundamental drug, such as insulin or nitroglycerin, could be very dangerous. These drugs, especially those based on insulin, must be kept in the refrigerator but once open, however, they can be stored at room temperature. In case of long journeys, it is necessary to transport them to a thermal bag or in the special containers available in the pharmacy. But also other types of drugs such as those for thyroid and contraceptives are particularly sensitive to thermal variations.
6. If sThe most drugs transportit is better to avoid inserting them in one package or in the same container to save space in the suitcase, in order to avoid having difficulty recognizing the expiry date, the type of medicine and the dosage.
7. Avoid the use of containers (carrier) not explicitly intended for the transport of drugs, as they could easily overheat or release harmful substances and thus alter the characteristics of the medicine.
8. In case of Long car tripsIn addition to the thermal bag, it is better to transport the drugs to the conditioned passenger compartment not in the trunk.
9. In the case in Cui the appearance of the medicine that is used habitually appearing different From the usual it is better to consult the doctor or a priama pharmacist to take it.
10. AND If you travel by plane? The drugs must be placed in hand luggage and if you are following a therapy with life -saving drugs, you need to bring these medicines to the cabin with the related prescription recipes, since it may be necessary to exhibit them in the control phases.

For those who stay at home

Who among us does not retain all the drugs in the box or in the medicinal god in the bathroom? Nothing more wrong, according to AIFA. It is better to keep them in a cool and dry place, like a canvas wardrobe in a closet, or in the bedroom or even in a kitchen furniture away from heat sources, but placed on a safety height outside the reach of children or pets.

For those who expose themselves to the sun

Some active ingredients, if used in climatic conditions characterized by high temperatures, may have side effects. Some may cause photosensitization reactions following exposure to the sun. For this reason, it is necessary to carefully check the instructions in case of intake of: antibiotics (tetracyclines, chinolonic), sulphony for oral contraceptives3 (pill), non -steroid anti -inflammatory (fans), Prometazine (antihistamine).

It is also a good practice to avoid sun exposure after the application of ketoprofen -based gel/patch application up to two weeks after the treatment or creams based on Prometazine, the latter often used for insect stings or skin allergies. In addition, it is better to carefully wash the affected area, in order to avoid the appearance of stains or even burns.