Insulin Storage Tips: On one hand, it provides relief from the scorching heat, while on the other hand, increased humidity and temperature fluctuations affect many everyday things.

Taking care of medicines during the rainy season

Protect Medicines from Moisture in Rainy Season: Monsoon in India brings not only rain but also a host of challenges. While it provides relief from the scorching heat, increased humidity and temperature fluctuations impact many everyday things. One of these is the quality of medicines stored at home. Experts say that if medicines are not stored properly, their effectiveness can diminish even before the expiration date. Therefore, it is crucial to know the correct way to store medicines during the rainy season .

According to consultant Dr. Arvind S. N., excessive humidity and heat can affect the chemical properties of medications. Tablets and capsules, which absorb moisture easily, can be susceptible to spoilage, becoming soft, sticky, swell, or even break down. Effervescent tablets and dry powder medications are also very sensitive to moisture.

Why do heat and humidity reduce the effectiveness of medicines?

Dr. Arvind explains that some medications, such as insulin, vaccines, biological medications, and some liquid medications, are extremely temperature-sensitive. They should always be stored according to the manufacturer's instructions. Similarly, creams and suppositories can also melt or change their texture in high heat.

What mistakes should not be made?

According to experts, the most common mistake is storing medications in the bathroom. The steam and constant humidity generated during bathing can damage medications. Furthermore, storing medications in the kitchen near a gas stove, sink, or window is also not advisable, as the temperature and humidity in these areas constantly fluctuate. Dr. Arvind also advises against removing medications from their original blister packaging and storing them in open boxes or uncovered containers. Doing so exposes the medications to direct moisture. Touching medications with wet hands or failing to properly seal the bottle cap can also be harmful.

What are the rules regarding insulin?

Dr. Pranav Ghodey explains that insulin should always be stored as directed by the manufacturer. Once opened, most insulin pens or vials can be stored at normal room temperature, but they must be protected from direct sunlight, excessive heat, and moisture. He adds that insulin should not be used if its color, texture, or transparency changes. Use of the medication should also be avoided if it has been exposed to extreme heat or extreme cold.

Is it okay to keep the medicine in the fridge?

According to Dr. Arvind, only medications that are specifically recommended on the label or by a doctor should be refrigerated. Unnecessarily storing medications that are recommended to be stored at room temperature can be harmful. This can cause condensation or freezing, which can affect their quality. He explained that medications that require cold storage are typically kept between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius, although this depends entirely on the type of medication.

What to do if the medicine gets wet?

If medication gets wet due to rain, flooding, or any other reason, it should be discarded immediately, especially if it has come into contact with dirty or contaminated water. This advice applies not only to tablets and capsules, but also to syrups, injections, inhalers, and medications for skin application. Drying wet tablets or capsules and reusing them should be avoided.

Where to keep medicines in homes without AC?

If your home doesn't have air conditioning, store medications in a closed cupboard or storage box in the coolest, driest part of the house. Keep them away from bathrooms, kitchens, windows, and direct sunlight. Always keep medications in their original packaging and the lid of the container tightly closed.