We are enjoying the summer weather immensely. But what does that mean for medicines? Do they all have to be refrigerated? No, not all of them, because it can be too cold there, says the KNMP pharmacists’ association.
In general, a dry cupboard where it does not get warmer than 25°C is a good storage place for most medicines. Even in a heat wave, your medicines remain good in this. Such a cabinet is fine if there is no special storage advice on the packaging. The bathroom is also not a good place for medicines: it is too humid there.
The refrigerator can be too cold for many medicines:
• Suppositories can melt due to heat. But they may not be allowed in the fridge. Note the storage instructions.
• Liquids such as drinks or ampoules with injection liquid do not belong in the refrigerator by default, because the cold can give an effect that is not intended. For example, crystals can form in a drink. Note the storage instructions.
• Eye and ear drops and enemas may or may not need to be refrigerated. Note the storage instructions.
It is a good idea to warm these products in the hand for about 5 minutes before use, when they come out of the refrigerator. Otherwise, the use is very unpleasant. Do you put your medicines in the fridge? Make sure that children cannot reach it. Put the medicines in a box that cannot be opened easily. Look at the storage instructions on the label and in the package leaflet. If in doubt, call the pharmacy.
Source: www.apotheek.nl
