You probably know medications should be stored properly. But extreme heat, freezing temperatures and power outages can create problems you might not expect.
Some prescriptions may lose their strength or may not be safe if they are exposed to high heat or freezing conditions. Emily Richards, a pharmacist with Banner Health, explained more about how to protect your medications during weather emergencies or evacuations.
Can temperature really damage medications?
Yes, some medications are sensitive to temperature changes. Heat can break down active ingredients and freezing can change the texture, stability or effectiveness of some medicines. “Humidity can also damage pills, capsules and medical devices like glucose strips, so a dry storage spot matters too,” Dr. Richards said.
The safest rule is to follow the storage instructions on the label. If the label says to refrigerate a medication or keep it at a certain temperature, don’t assume a different storage spot will work just as well.
If you take a refrigerated medication or a specialty prescription, ask your pharmacist how to store it at home and what to do if the power goes out. That extra step can save you from guessing later.
Medications most likely to be affected
Some medications are more likely to be affected by temperature swings than others.
Insulin and injectable medications
Insulin and some injectables can become less effective when they get too hot or too cold. So if these medications are frozen, overheated or left in a car, they may not work the way they should.
What to do: Keep them stored exactly as directed and handle them carefully during travel or storms.
Inhalers
Extreme heat can affect some inhalers because they’re pressurized. If they sit in a hot car or near direct sunlight, they may be damaged before you use them.
What to do: Store them in a cool, dry place and keep them with you when you travel.
Liquid medications
Liquids and suspensions can separate, change texture or freeze when they are exposed to cold temperatures. That can make them harder to use and may affect how well they work.
What to do: If a liquid medicine got too cold, check with your pharmacist before you use it, especially if it looks different.
Specialty medications
Some biologics and other specialty medications need tighter temperature control than everyday pills. These medicines may come with specific packaging or handling instructions.
What to do: If you’re not sure, call your pharmacy before you store or transport them.
Birth control pills, antibiotics, anti-seizure medications and chemotherapy drugs can also be sensitive to heat or cold.
What heat can do to medications
Heat can make some medications break down faster than normal. A hot car, a heat wave, a mail-order package left outside or storage near a window can expose medicine to temperatures that are too high. You should be especially careful of heat in cars. Even when it’s not that hot outside, a parked car can heat up quickly.
If a medicine has been stored in heat, don’t assume that it’s fine just because it looks normal. It may still be weaker than it is supposed to be.
What freezing temperatures can do
Freezing temperatures can be just as risky as heat for some medications. Medicine left in a car overnight, exposed during a winter storm or delivered in a package that sat outside can freeze and thaw more than once. That can change how well the medicine works.
Signs of damage may include cracking, separation, cloudiness or changes in texture. But some medications can still look normal after they’ve frozen and thawed, so appearance alone doesn’t tell the whole story.
How to store medications safely at home
Keep medicines at the temperature listed on the label. Most need to be stored in a cool, dry place. A bedroom drawer or cabinet is often a better choice than a bathroom, since bathrooms can get humid. Keep medicines away from direct sunlight and appliances that give off heat.
Use the refrigerator only when the label says to do so. If a medication needs refrigeration, keep it in its original container and make sure it’s protected from freezing inside the fridge.
How to protect medications during natural disasters or evacuations
A little preparation can make a stressful situation easier.
Build a medication emergency kit
Your kit should include:
- A two-week supply of medication, in their original containers, inside a waterproof, airtight container
- A list of your prescriptions, doses and doctor’s and pharmacist’s name and contact information, so it’s easier to get a refill or replacement
Keep these items in a grab-and-go bag so you’re ready if you need to leave home quickly.
Use insulated storage when needed
If you have a medicine that needs to stay cool, a cooler or insulated bag can help during travel or outages. If the power is out for 12 to 24 hours, refrigerated medicine may still be okay but if the outage lasts longer, store it with ice in a cooler and call your pharmacist for guidance. Don’t place medicine directly on ice unless your pharmacist says it’s OK.
Keep medications with you
Carry your medicines in a bag you can access easily, not in checked luggage or a box you can’t reach. That’s especially important during flights, road trips or evacuations. If you’re traveling with temperature-controlled or refrigerated medicine, plan ahead so it stays protected.
What to do if you think a medication was damaged
Don’t try to guess whether it still works. If a medicine has been exposed to heat, freezing or moisture, check the label and package instructions first, then call your pharmacist or health care provider. “The safest step is often to replace the medication,” Dr. Richards said.
This is especially important for insulin, heart medications and seizure medications, since you could have serious health problems if they don’t work as expected.
When to ask for refills early
Asking for refills before you need them gives you time to store everything safely and pack what you need. It can help you avoid an emergency later. Get refills:
- Before major storms
- During wildfire or hurricane season
- Any time you think travel or power outages may disrupt your routine
It’s also smart to review your meds before a planned trip.
The bottom line
Extreme temperatures and disasters can affect some medications. Safe storage, planning ahead and checking with a pharmacist when in doubt can help protect your health.
If you’re not sure whether a medication is still safe after heat, freezing or a disaster, contact a Banner Health provider or pharmacist for answers.
FAQs about medication storage and weather
Can medications go bad in a hot car?
Yes. Heat can damage some medications quickly.
Is frozen medication safe to use?
Not always. Some medications should be replaced after freezing.
Where should medications be stored at home?
Usually in a cool, dry place unless refrigeration is required.
What if I evacuated without my medications?
Contact your pharmacy or provider as soon as possible.
