As millions of people prepare for summer holidays, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is reminding travellers and households across the UK that medicines need protection from heat just like passports, luggage and other holiday essentials.
While many people remember to pack sun cream and travel documents, medicines are often overlooked and left on sunny windowsills, inside warm bags or in hot vehicles for long periods. However, high temperatures can affect some medicines and reduce how well they work when they are needed most.
The MHRA is urging people to check how their medicines should be stored, particularly during hot weather and summer travel. Many medicines are designed to be stored below 25°C, and exposure to excessive heat may affect their safety, quality or effectiveness.
Some medicines require refrigeration, while others must be kept at room temperature or protected from direct sunlight. This is particularly important for medicines such as insulin, some inhalers, skin treatment creams and certain contraceptives.
The advice also applies to medical devices including blood glucose monitors and insulin testing strips, as storage requirements can vary depending on the product. People are encouraged to always follow the instructions provided with their medicine or medical device.
Hot cars, suitcases and sunny rooms can put medicines at risk
Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer, said people should be aware that temperatures inside everyday holiday environments can rise much higher than expected.
“During the summer, places such as parked cars, packed suitcases, caravans, and sunny rooms can get far hotter than people expect. For some medicines, these conditions can affect how well they work,” she said.
She added that checking storage instructions and keeping medicines correctly stored only takes a few minutes but can help ensure they remain safe and effective when needed.
During summer, medicines should be stored somewhere cool, dry and away from direct sunlight. Leaving medicines in cars, suitcases or other enclosed spaces exposed to heat can damage them, especially during periods of extreme temperatures.
At home, people should avoid storing medicines in places such as bathrooms or near heat sources, as humidity and temperature changes can affect certain products.
The MHRA advises anyone who is unsure about how to store a medicine, or who believes it may have been exposed to excessive heat, to speak with a pharmacist for advice.
People who notice that a medicine is not working as expected should also seek advice from a pharmacist or doctor and report any suspected problems through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
Protecting your health during summer holidays
For many people travelling abroad or enjoying summer activities in the UK, preparing medicines properly is an important part of staying healthy away from home.
Travellers are advised to check the storage instructions included with their medicines before leaving, particularly if they are carrying treatments that require special conditions. Planning ahead can help prevent avoidable problems while away from home.
The MHRA continues to provide summer health advice covering medicines, medical devices and staying safe during hot weather.
What this means for Nigerians living in the UK
For Nigerians living across the UK, summer often means family holidays, trips around Europe, outdoor events and visits to loved ones. Many people also travel with prescription medicines from the UK or carry essential treatments when visiting Nigeria and other countries.
Understanding how heat affects medicines is especially important during long journeys, airport transfers and hot weather conditions. Keeping medicines stored correctly helps protect personal health and ensures treatments remain effective when they are needed.
Chijos News continues to provide Nigerians in the UK with practical updates on healthcare, lifestyle, public services and important information that helps diaspora communities navigate everyday life in Britain.