Patient Relations
By: Corykris Calleja
Pharmacy Services Department
As we enter the summer months, temperature and humidity will soar and fluctuate. Did you know that extreme summer heat and humidity can impact your medications?
Medication Degradation and Delivery Device Damage
Many medications can lose their efficacy and be damaged when stored in areas with extremely hot temperatures, high humidity or when exposed to excessive light. For example,
Insulin: Can be stored at room temperature once opened, but extreme heat will make it less effective.
EpiPen: extreme heat can cause the pen to malfunction and deliver less dose of epinephrine.
Inhalers: can burst when stored in ambient heat.
Tips:
Store your medication in a cool dry place except for the ones that require refrigeration.
Keep medications at room temperature between 15°C – 25°C.
Never leave your medications in the trunk of the car or direct sunlight.
Photosensitivity
Some medications can increase your sensitivity to the sun causing you to develop a sunburn faster and increase your risk of skin cancer. For example,
Acne medications: Isotretinoin
Analgesics: Naproxen, Ibuprofen
Antibiotics: Tetracycline, Fluoroquinolones
Antifungals: Metronidazole, Voriconazole
Cholesterol-lowering medications: Atorvastatin, Simvastatin
Birth control pills
Tips:
Avoid the sun and stay indoors during the peak sun hours.
Wear protective clothing such as sunglasses, hats, light-colored long-sleeve shirts and long pants.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that can filter UVA and UVB rays, preferably with SPF 30 or more.
Risk of Medications Interfering with Thermoregulation and/or Fluid Balance
Our body can cool down when it is hot and humid. However, some medications may interfere with that process. Heat exhaustion and dehydration can impact the effectiveness of medications and increase the risk of potential side effects. For example,
Antihistamine allergy medications: can reduce sweating.
Antipsychotics and antidepressants: can cause impaired sweating, sedation and cognitive impairment.
Beta blockers: can cause reduced blood flow to the skin making it harder to cool down.
Bipolar disorder medications: can increase the need to urinate.
Diuretics: can cause electrolyte imbalance and reduced thirst sensation.
Tips:
Stay hydrated.
Skip hard physical activity in high heat.
Wear light loose-fitting clothes.
Stay indoors or in shaded areas when it is very hot.
It is important to adhere to your medication regimen consistently, even during extreme weather conditions. Since not all medication examples are listed above, always consult your physician about any potential side effects before using any medication.
JHAH joins the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action and the MOH in supporting World Breastfeeding Week
A good night’s sleep can help repair damaged heart and blood vessels. We have simple tips to help you sleep better
The good, and bad news about breast cancer – and how to fight it
Find out how changes to how we manage the pain of sickle cell disease have led to a massive drop in emergency care and hospitalization
A few ideas for a good nutrition program that can help strengthen your immune system
There are many health and nutrition tips that can boost your immune system
The Kingdom is the second in the Middle East and the seventh globally in the rate of Type 2 diabetes, find out how you can take control of your diabetes and lead a healthy life
Health issues related to sun exposure and how you can protect yourself
Include fruits in your daily menu, in whichever way you like, and stay healthy
Heart attacks often occur when people are alone. Knowing what to do when heart attack symptoms come on can save your life
Encouraging people who suffer from obesity to take part in safe solutions to weight loss, lifestyle change, and weight maintenance
We tend to forget that the sun’s shine and brightness can be quite harmful during the summer. Tips to stay healthy and cool during summer
Keratoconus is an eye disease that affects the Cornea, the clear transparent part of the eye. This disease causes progressive thinning and protrusion of the cornea giving it a conical shape.
No matter what type of medicine your doctor prescribes, it's always important to be safe and follow medication safety measures
Learn about Alzheimer’s disease, it's symptoms, causes and risk factors, and what to do if you have Alzheimer's disease
Proper nutrition and exercise play important roles in reducing the risk of breast cancer
Can save lives by either killing bacteria or preventing them from reproducing.
Collecting your medication from the pharmacist is not just a medication transaction but an opportunity to enhance your understanding of the medication and better care for your health.
JHAH Tawazon Program works with pre-diabetic patients to help them modify their lifestyle to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes
Here are a few essential points to discuss with your pharmacist to better understand your medication to ensure your wellbeing.
A few tips to help parents of children with autism enjoy a happy Eid with family and friends.
Four simple and practical guidelines that will help you to keep safe from food-borne diseases in your kitchen
Read our expert advice on blood donation guidelines and how you can play a role in saving lives
Start your day with nutritious foods to boost your energy and metabolism levels
JHAH Clinical Nutrition and Food Services Unit is here to help you make your sweets healthier, lighter and heart friendly
