How heat can affect mail ordered medication

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- As temperatures soar across San Diego County this week, pharmacists are sharing important information about how the heat can alter your medication, specifically those delivered by mail.

"Heat can affect medications and how well they work in the body," said Pharmacist Yasmin Sepehrar with Sharp Reese-Stealy San Diego.

While tablets might be less affected, many injectables contain small proteins that can be totally inactivated by heat.

"Medication that can be most affected by heat are in particular insulin because those are typically refrigerated, so heat can affect how they are stored and inhaler drugs," said Sepehrar.

She says mail order medications are mostly used by the elderly, but growing in popularity due to convenience.

"If the medication is refrigerated, we definitely recommend that it has to be delivered the same day," suggested the pharmacist. "You never want that going through regular mail and make sure the pharmacy you’re getting it delivered from has safe packaging for these medications."

Sometimes heat damage isn’t always obvious. Look for signs like reduced effectiveness, color changes, or unusual texture.

During a heat wave particularly, make sure to monitor the arrival of your medication.

The United States Post Office, for example, does not offer refrigerated services so you have to be sure whoever is shipping that medication is doing so properly. You can also track your packages online depending on the carrier.