Most people are used to check the expiration date before taking the drugs, but rarely consider the condition of the drug with a very observant. Though the wrong storage process can also damage the quality of drugs, such as exposure to extreme temperature changes.
"Pharmaceutical manufacturers recommend most of the products should be stored at controlled room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C)," said Skye McKennon, assistant clinical professor at the University of Washington School of Pharmacy, as quoted by The New York Times, Thursday (18/08/2011).
The temperature is 20-25 degrees Celsius temperature range in which the manufacturer guarantees the integrity and quality of drug products. But a lower temperature or higher, which is between 58-86 F (14.4 to 30 degrees C) is usually the drug is still in good condition and not damaged.
"If the storage location (drug) exposure to heat and cold so that drugs can cause a physical change, then the potential loss of (property) or even threaten the health of those who eat them," said Dr. McKennon.
For patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes or heart disease, damaged very dangerous drug, like insulin or nitroglycerin which can be life-threatening damage.
"The drugs are sold freely can also be damaged and potentially dangerous. Usually, consumers do not know the drug has been damaged when purchased it," said Janet Engle, a pharmacist and former president of the American Pharmacists Association.
When decay occurs antibiotics, the drug can cause damage to the stomach or kidneys. Aspirin can cause stomach damaged turbulent with very severe. Hydrocortisone cream can be damaged and become useless after exposure to heat.
Each type of diagnostic test strips, such as those used to test blood sugar levels and pregnancy is very sensitive to moisture. If the humidity stick to the strip, the strip will be damaged and may give false test results.
Contraceptive drugs or other medications that contain hormones are also very susceptible to temperature changes, because these types of drugs are often based on proteins and protein when exposed to heat will change the nature.
"Special attention should also be done on seizure medication, insulin and anticoagulants. Small changes in some types of drugs like this can make a big difference to health," said Dr. McKennon.
To ensure pharmaceuticals are safe, here's some advice from pharmacists and other experts:
1. Place the medicine cabinet in a place that is not damp
Medicine cabinet is often the worst place to store medicines because of high humidity and are often placed in the bathroom. Keep medicines in a cool and dry, like in the bedroom or even in the kitchen away from the stove. If children or animals can get into these spaces, consider the location of the rack so that the reach of children or animals.
2. Special packaging
"Do not believe in special containers are expensive and designed to 'protect' drugs, such as foil packets. There is no evidence that any drug package protects better than standard drug vials," said Dr. McKennon.
3. Do not be exposed to heat while on the go
The temperature inside a car can skyrocket while parked in the parking lot, let alone parking lots are open. We recommend that you store the drug in a separate bag or pocket when traveling.
If you need to store emergency medications such as EpiPen or insulin in a car, ask your pharmacist to recommend a place to store that will make drugs stored at the correct temperature.
4. Note the physical medicine
Do not take medication that has changed color or consistency change, regardless of the date of expiry. Check also whether the odor of drugs is not as usual. Dispose of pills that sticks, broken, louder or softer than usual.
Do not throw medicines in the toilet unused, but the mix of pills or drugs with coffee grounds, cat litter or other materials and put the mixture in the trash.
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