Lucknow – As temperatures soar and heatwaves become prevalent, the Pharmacist Federation has issued an advisory highlighting the detrimental effects of rising temperatures not only on human life but also on life-saving medications. The federation has urged both pharmacists and the general public to remain vigilant regarding the proper storage of medicines, cautioning that inadequate precautions could be fatal for their efficacy.
Providing this crucial information, Sunil Yadav, President of the Pharmacist Federation, emphasized the need to consider research conducted in various countries on the impact of rising temperatures. Given India’s unique geographical conditions and socio-economic disparities, he stressed the importance of pharmacists educating the general public.
Yadav announced the Pharmacist Federation’s advisory, stating that regular seminars and awareness programs will be organized on the subject of “Impact of Rising Temperatures on Medicines.”
He further explained that the federation has launched an awareness campaign to educate the pharmacist community and the general public about the risks associated with increasing temperatures. The issuance of this advisory is the first phase of this campaign.
Online seminars will also be conducted for community, hospital, clinical, and industrial pharmacists, featuring subject matter experts who will provide detailed information. Professor Dr. Harlokesh Yadav of AIIMS New Delhi, President of the Federation’s Scientific Wing, expressed the federation’s concern regarding the impact of rising temperatures on the quality of medicines, emphasizing the crucial role of community pharmacists in this well-thought-out program.
Dr. Yadav explained that most over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs contain active chemicals that react rapidly at high temperatures. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can degrade the medicine, rendering it ineffective or even harmful.
He advised that if medication has been exposed to high temperatures for an extended period, it is essential to consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider before use. Warning signs that temperature or humidity fluctuations have affected the medication include tablets breaking more easily, gel caps sticking together, liquids appearing cloudier than usual, or an unusual odor. These signs indicate that the medicine may no longer be as effective.
The federation stressed the need for regulatory authorities to strictly enforce storage guidelines at medical stores and for pharmacists to advise purchasers on proper home storage of medicines.
Professor Dr. Prakash V. Diwan, Advisor to the Federation, noted that the Indian pharmaceutical sector is progressing towards achieving global potential in this field. He emphasized the need to ensure high-quality medicines that meet global standards.
Dr. Diwan explained that the active pharmaceutical ingredients used in medicines are temperature-sensitive. When stored in extremely hot, cold, or humid places, they can become unstable and even deteriorate, increasing the risk of negative side effects and reducing their effectiveness.
He highlighted that most antibiotics, with a few exceptions, are temperature-sensitive. Essential medicines such as insulin, monoclonal antibodies, pediatric antibiotics, asthma inhalers, EpiPens, and nitroglycerin (which is also sensitive to light) must be kept within strict temperature limits.
Antihistamines, decongestants, and psychiatric medications can exacerbate heat intolerance, Dr. Diwan cautioned, emphasizing the need for a rigorous approach towards awareness programs for pharmacists, the general public, and healthcare professionals for better healthcare.
The common practice of doctors and pharmacists keeping first-aid kits in their cars or ambulances can also affect the efficacy of medicines in extreme heat. Proper storage is advised to avoid potential risks.
According to Professor Kunal Agam Kannaujia of Dr. R.M.L. Awadh University, Ayodhya, medicines should be stored in a cool place away from direct sunlight, avoiding bathrooms and kitchens, and using insulated containers. Regular checks of storage areas are necessary to ensure medicines remain cool and undamaged, and it is essential to keep stores air-conditioned with curtains fully closed on windows. Regular temperature checks of storage areas are also crucial.
