Overview
- The MHRA launched the 'Summer‑proof your health' campaign in early July to warn that high temperatures and changed summer routines can reduce how well medicines and devices work.
- Protein-based treatments such as insulin and GLP‑1 drugs can denature in heat and lose potency, inhalers can deliver weaker doses when hot, and blood glucose meters and strips can give falsely high readings after brief exposure to heat and humidity.
- Officials say most medicines are formulated for storage below about 25°C and some require refrigeration at 2–8°C, so common overheating spots like parked cars, sunny windowsills, handbags and bathrooms can damage medicines.
- The MHRA advises people to check patient leaflets, keep medicines in the coolest part of the home or insulated pouches when travelling, consult pharmacists about concerns, and report suspected problems through the Yellow Card scheme.
- Pharmacists and health bodies are amplifying lists of high‑risk medicines—including diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta‑blockers, SSRIs, hormonal contraception, insulin and EpiPens—because those drugs can raise dehydration, sun sensitivity or heat‑related harm for patients.