Omeprazole is a widely prescribed medication for people with acid reflux, indigestion, and heartburn (stock image) (Image: Getty )
People taking medication to manage heartburn, acid reflux and indigestion, such as omeprazole, are being urged to examine the storage instructions on their medicine packaging. With the UK experiencing a severe heatwave this week, including rare Extreme Heat alerts, those on prescribed medication are advised to follow crucial storage guidelines.
Numerous common medicines require proper storage to guarantee they remain effective and don’t deteriorate prematurely. Similar to statins, beta blockers, inhalers, antidepressants and various other frequently-prescribed drugs, omeprazole must be kept in an appropriate location to prevent potential health complications.
According to instructions from the NHS, the majority of medication should be stored in a “cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture”. With conditions pushing temperatures as high as 40C in certain areas of the country, maintaining cool home environments can prove challenging, reports the Mirror.
People are advised to check the label of their medication to see how it should be stored. The NHS adds: “Ensure medicines are stored correctly as indicated on the packaging or label.
“Some medicines need to be refrigerated, kept out of light, or in specific containers. Room temperature medicines should be in regulated rooms and not exposed to temperature fluctuations, like conservatories on hot or cold days.”
The majority of medicines require storage at temperatures below 25C. Pharmacies are urging patients to take steps to keep their medications below this threshold where possible, unless storage instructions specify otherwise, such as those requiring refrigeration.
Those taking medication can look up their medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website. For numerous omeprazole medications listed on the site, identical storage instructions are provided.
These include: “Do not store above 25C. Keep the bottle tightly closed in order to protect from light and moisture.” And: “Do not store above 25C. Store in the original package in order to protect from moisture.”
People are urged to keep their medication out of sunlight and stored below 25C as 40C heatwave hits (Image: Getty)
A statement on the National Pharmacy Association’s website reads: “Most medicines that need to be kept at room temperature should be stored in a cool dry place, away from heat zones and direct sunlight. When temperatures climb medicine can lose its effectiveness, or in some cases, cause unwanted side effects.
“Most medicines should routinely be kept in areas that do not exceed 25 degrees. Pharmacists are also reminding patients to take precautions in the hot weather, including keeping curtains and windows in direct sunlight closed in the hottest hours of the day, drinking plenty of fluids and wearing appropriate clothing and sun protection when outdoors.”
During last month’s heatwave, Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), at the time said: “Let’s face it – when there’s a heatwave, most of us are focused on getting outside and enjoying it while it lasts. But it’s easy to forget that medicines left in the heat – in cars, bags, or on sunny windowsills – might not work properly when you need them.
“Some medicines can also make you more likely to burn in the sun, feel dizzy, or get dehydrated, especially if you’re taking diuretics or have a condition like asthma, heart disease, or diabetes. To stay safe in the heat: Store medicines somewhere cool, dry and out of direct sunlight – especially if you’re out and about.
“Know the signs of heat-related illness – stay hydrated and listen to your body; take extra care in the sun if your medicine makes your skin more likely to burn. And remember, for all medicines it’s important to read the leaflet and speak to a healthcare professional if you have any questions.”
