Can My Medication Spoil? YES, So Take Care of It As Instructed!

The storage conditions should be maintained throughout the distribution channel i.e. right from the time of leaving the manufacturing unit to consumption of the product.

The most common problem is encountered with temperature changes. "Controlled room temperature" is defined by the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) as, "A temperature maintained thermostatically that encompasses the usual and customary working environment of 20 to 25 C (68 - 77 F) that allows for brief deviations between 15 - 30 C (59 - 86 F) that are experienced in pharmacies, hospitals, and warehouses."

What can go wrong?

Here are a few examples

1. Unopened vials of insulin, disposable dosing devices and unopened insulin pens must be stored in the refrigerator. Insulin must not be frozen. Opened vials of insulin should be stored in the refrigerator but may also be stored at room temperature, in a cool place that is away from heat and direct sunlight. A damaged dose of insulin can be life-threatening for diabetics. Insulin can lose its effectiveness if frozen. The same goes for any so-called suspended medication that has to be shaken before use.
2. In general, antibiotics require storage in a refrigerator or freezer. All antibiotics should be protected from direct sunlight. E.g. Rifampicin and amphotericin B are very sensitive to light and should be stored in the dark. Some decayed antibiotics cause stomach or kidney damage.
3. Ointments and creams may melt if the temperature is too high. E.g. Hydrocortisone cream can separate and become useless in the heat.
4. Vaccines usually need to be stored under refrigeration and may become ineffective if not done so.
5. Oral suspensions must be stored at specified temperatures and used up within a certain period. E.g. instructions on an oral suspension read: The oral suspension may be stored at room temperature for 10 days from the day of mixing, or in the refrigerator for 17 days from the day of mixing.
6. Protein based medicines like thyroid, and birth control pills are susceptible to temperature changes. Protein denatures with changes in temperature.