UK Health Experts Warn 8 Medications Can Misfire in 38C Heat

3 articles · Updated · The Mirror · Jun 29

Britons taking eight common medicines were urged to check storage and side-effect warnings after last week’s heatwave hit 38C and more hot weather is forecast.
Insulin, EpiPens and asthma inhalers can lose reliability in high temperatures—insulin outside 2C-8C unopened storage can become less effective, while EpiPens should be kept below 25C.
Diuretics, antihistamines and some antidepressants can also raise heat risk by increasing fluid loss or impairing sweating and temperature regulation, making dehydration and heat exhaustion more likely.
Antibiotics and retinoid-based acne treatments add another hazard by increasing photosensitivity and sunburn risk; pharmacists advise hydration, high-factor sunscreen and checking for changes in a medicine’s colour, smell or texture.