Health officials are warning that crucial medications used by many in the UK could lose effectiveness in the 37°C heatwave. Insulin pens, asthma inhalers, and weight-loss injections are among the drugs that should be stored below 30°C when not refrigerated.
Hot weather can rapidly warm up medicines left in bags, cars, or on windowsills, affecting their performance when used later. Exposure to high temperatures can degrade insulin proteins, leading to reduced potency and increased blood glucose levels in Type 1 Diabetics.
Similarly, overheating can alter the chemical composition of asthma inhalers, making them ineffective during asthma attacks. Prolonged heat exposure can weaken weight-loss medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro.
Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA, emphasized the importance of storing medicines correctly during heatwaves to maintain their effectiveness. She also highlighted the risk of certain medications increasing susceptibility to sunburn, dizziness, or dehydration, particularly for individuals with conditions like asthma, heart disease, or diabetes.
To mitigate risks, it is advised to read medication leaflets thoroughly and consult healthcare professionals for any inquiries. The London Ambulance Service reported a surge in life-threatening emergencies due to the extreme heat, with a record number of category one calls on Wednesday amid temperatures reaching 35°C.
Chief executive Jason Killens acknowledged the challenges faced by ambulance crews in caring for patients under such conditions and urged the public to take precautions by staying hydrated and avoiding excessive sun exposure.
