Medicine exposed to the summer heat can lead to negative effects

Extreme heat is something a lot of people will have to be wary of over the next few weeks.

The last week of June calls for extreme heat in Nebraska.

Many people will be changing into swimsuits and grabbing sunscreen.

According to Dr. Monty Scheele of Rely Care Pharmacy in Lincoln, it may be a good idea to keep your medication under wraps as well.

“In the summer time and in the winter time, we talk to patients about the extreme weather here in Nebraska. The heat this time of year is really going to affect it,” said Dr. Scheele.

Most medications are recommended to be kept at room temperature, or between 68 and 77 degrees.

Dr. Scheele says that even leaving medicine out in your car during a day at work could prove to be detrimental.

“The tablets can change color, if you have a white tablet, if it gets exposed to heat and humidity, it may change a little yellow. It may start to smell different, it may start to look different, it could start to crack or crumble,” said Dr. Scheele.

Dr. Scheele says heat can affect your medicine quicker than you think.

He’s also concerned about people who receive their medication through the mail.

“People are getting prescriptions mailed to them this time of year. We don’t know where that’s been, in the back of a hot truck, or how long its been in your mailbox. That could be a very detrimental thing for your medication.”

Dr. Scheele says that if you’re not sure whether or not a medication is safe to use, you can always come in to a local pharmacy.

They will let you know if it has been damaged by heat.

“Most likely, it will start to decrease its efficiency and how it works, so you want to make sure that your medication is stored properly so that you’re taking a medication that’s going to do the job for you.”

Dr. Scheele recommends building a good relationship with your local pharmacist.

It’s the best way to know you’re getting medicine that is safe and effective.