With temperatures soaring, most people are feeling the strain — but some may need to take extra care, particularly if they’re on certain medications.
Heatwaves can be enjoyable, but they also bring real health risks. Dehydration becomes more likely in extreme temperatures and can be especially serious for young children and older adults. Spending too long outdoors also raises the chance of sunburn, particularly if you aren’t using SPF.
One often-overlooked issue in hot weather is how medicines are kept. While many people are focused on summer plans, Rhysa Phommachanh, Health Specialist at Landys Chemist, has highlighted that heat can affect how some medications perform — especially if they’re stored improperly.
The specialist adds that medicines should be ‘stored in a cool, dry place. Any medication that is left exposed to high temperatures, direct sunlight, or humid bathrooms, ‘can cause them to degrade and fail to work properly.’
Anyone taking medication is advised to follow the storage guidance provided in the patient information leaflet or handbook, including any warnings about side effects.
She also cautions that if you notice your medication looks or feels different — such as a change in colour, smell, or texture — you should speak with a pharmacist before continuing to use it.
Separately, people using Ozempic and other GPL-1 medications are also being urged to take extra steps during the heatwave.
These medicines are prescribed to help lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes, though some people also use them for weight loss.
They can reduce appetite and help users feel fuller for longer. However, they may also dampen thirst cues, which could make it harder for someone to recognise they’re becoming dehydrated.
Because of that, people taking these drugs are being reminded to prioritise fluids and make sure they stay hydrated in the hot weather.