Transport and storage: The most important tips for medicines in hot weather

"At temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius, the chemical stability of medications can change – they may then no longer work as intended," explains Professor Dr. Irene Hinterseher of the German Society for Vascular Surgery and Vascular Medicine (DGG). Even a few hours of direct sunlight can be enough for this to happen. "However, most medications can be safely removed from the sun even on a hot summer day." "Take it home from the pharmacy ," says Dr. Armin Hoffmann, President of the Federal Chamber of Pharmacists, reassuringly to the German Press Agency. If you're traveling by car, it's best to store the medication under one of the front seats. It's shady there—and therefore cooler than other areas of the vehicle, advises Hoffmann.

And what about when you get home and the heat builds up? You should then choose the coolest place to store your medicine cabinet—for example, the hallway, where no sunlight enters, or the bedroom. The vegetable drawer of the refrigerator, at 8 degrees Celsius, can also be a suitable place for medications for a short time. To avoid damage from moisture, however, they should be stored in a separate box.

From insulin to eye drops: Some medications must be stored at temperatures between two and eight degrees Celsius – that is, in the refrigerator. Those picking up these medications from the pharmacy should bring a cooler bag or box for transport, especially on hot days, advises the Federal Association of German Pharmacists (ABDA). And ideally, a small towel: You can wrap the medications in it to prevent them from directly touching the cooling elements and potentially freezing.

In the refrigerator, you should ensure that the medications do not come into contact with the back wall, as this can also cause the medications to become too frosty.