Managing medications safely during the Australian summer
Hot weather, humidity, and the risk of dehydration can affect how medicines work and even how safe they are. It’s important to help clients understand these seasonal challenges and give them practical tips to stay on track.
Medication storage
Most medicines are fine below about 25–30°C, but insulin, injectable diabetes meds, and some thyroid medicines need extra care. Encourage clients to keep medicines in a cool, dry spot, ideally in an air-conditioned room and away from sunlight. Avoid places like bathrooms, kitchens, or the top of the fridge, which can get hot and humid. Medicines should stay in their original packaging and out of reach of kids. It is also important to never to leave glucose monitors or test strips in a hot car as it will damage them.
For insulin, unopened pens or vials should be refrigerated (but not in the freezer or on the fridge door). Once opened, they can be kept cool using evaporative cooling pouches. If insulin looks lumpy or discolored, or if glucose readings are suddenly high, it may be heat-damaged and should be replaced. Pump users might need to change reservoirs more often during hot weather.
Sun sensitivity
Some medicines make skin more sensitive to the sun. This includes certain diabetes drugs like sulfonylureas, as well as common medications such as atorvastatin, doxycycline, and some blood pressure tablets. Patients should use SPF 30+ sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and avoid being outdoors during peak UV hours.
| Medications that may increase photosensitivity | ||
| Atorvastatin | Gliclazide | Creams/gels |
| Griseofulvin | Glipzide | Tar preparations |
| Doxycycline | Glibenclamide | Skin cancer treatments |
| Prochlorperazine | Glimepiride | Retinol |
| Furosemide | Fenofibrate | Diclofenac (Voltaren) |
| Amiodarone | Diclofenac | Chlorhexidine (antiseptic) |
| Hydrochlorothiazide | St John’s Wort | Sandalwood, Musk |
Dehydration and heat intolerance
Hot weather and some medications don’t mix well. Diuretics and SGLT2 inhibitors can increase fluid loss, so hydration is key unless there’s a medical reason to limit fluids.
| Blood pressure/ heart/ fluid medications | Diabetes medications SGLT2 inhibitors |
| Hydrochlorothiazide | Dapagliflozin |
| Furosemide | Empagliflozin |
| Spironolactone |
ACE inhibitors and ARBs can blunt thirst, so patients may need reminders to drink regularly.
| Perindopril | Candesartan |
| Ramipril | Irbesartan |
| Valsartan | Olmesartan |
| Semaglutide (Ozempic) and Dulaglutide (Trulicity) | Telmisartan |
Beta-blockers can make it harder to cool down, and other drugs like antidepressants or anticholinergics can affect temperature regulation. Encourage patients to watch for signs of overheating and stay cool.
| Propranolol | Atenolol | Bisoprolol |
| Metoprolol | Carvedilol |
Some other types of medications that may also affect heat intolerance include:
| Clopidogrel | Sertraline | Carbidopa and Levodopa |
| Citalopram/ escitalopram | Duloxetine/ Venlafaxine | Oxybutynin |
| Fluoxetine/ Paroxetine | Amitriptyline | Methylphenidate |
Note: the above lists only the commonly used medications and is not a complete list.
Safety reminders
- Clients should never stop medications suddenly; remind them to always check with their doctor first.
- A good way to check hydration is by looking at urine color and volume. If urine is dark and they are making less than usual they may be dehydrated.
- Advise clients to limit alcohol, as it can worsen dehydration and heat stress.
- Cooling strategies like light clothing, shade, fans, and avoiding outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day are simple but effective.
- Sun protection is essential.
Bottom line
Summer heat can affect both medicines and the body. A little planning, like proper storage, staying hydrated, and protecting against sun and heat, goes a long way in keeping clients safe and their treatment effective.
By Donna Itzstein, Pharmacist and Credentialled Diabetes Educator