They treat us and relieve us but poorly preserved, certain drugs can become completely ineffective, even dangerous. And especially during a heat wave or on vacation, where the slightest forgetfulness can compromise a treatment. Aurélien Tesson, pharmacist, delivers the right reflexes to adopt to preserve the quality of his treatments.
Heat, number 1 enemy of drugs
“”Poor conservation can alter the effectiveness of treatment, or even cause health risks “ confirms our expert. So be careful not to leave your pharmacy kit in the glove box or at the bottom of a sun bag!
Indeed, “The majority of drugs should be kept at room temperature, between 15 and 25 ° C“Esides the pharmacist. “Beyond that, the active ingredients can deteriorate”.
What are the mistakes to avoid, on a trip?
When you have to move on vacation, it is necessary to take your precautions. Here are the commonly committed errors, which must be avoided when traveling:
- Never leave medication in the car in the sun;
- Use an isothermal bag, especially for long journeys;
- Never freeze a medication, even if it is to keep cool;
- By plane, always keep the treatments in cabin baggage. This avoids the risk of loss, without forgetting that “the suits can be too cold” recalls Aurélien Tesson.
And if you go abroad, always check the necessary supporting documents (vaccines, prescriptions …). A simple negligence can prevent you from traveling with your treatments.
Where and how to store your drugs at home?
Even at home, bad storage of medicines is common. Bathroom, kitchen, window sill… so many places to proscribe. “”Humidity and heat are frequent. Prefer a closed cupboard in a cool room like a corridor or a bedroom“Advises the pharmacist.
For the treatments to be kept in the fridge, the good reflex: the vegetable trap in the fridge, between 2 and 8 ° C, “because it is the place where the temperature varies the least”.
Some forms are particularly fragile:
- Suppositories, to keep in the refrigerator;
- Creams and gels, which can change texture;
- Effervescent tablets, ultra sensitive to humidity;
- Syrups because some contain fragile conservatives.
“”Galenic forms like patches or sprays can also react to heat“He adds. It is therefore better to read the instructions or ask a pharmacist for advice.
The drugs most sensitive to temperature
Some treatments cannot bear any break in the cold chain. “”This is particularly the case for insulin, many vaccines, hormones (such as thyroxine) or even biological products (multiple sclerosis treatments, arthritis …) “.
Our expert also highlights the particularity of children’s antibiotic syrups. “”They are often to be reconstituted with water, then keep in the fridge, and must be used within 7 to 14 days depending on the case “.
Be careful, they should never be reused later. “”This would promote bacterial resistances “ warns Aurélien Tesson. To remember, it reveals a very simple tip: note the date of reconstruction on the bottle.