August 16, 2011
With heat levels still easily reaching the triple digits in areas, NBC-Dallas reported that locals relying on medications via mail-order pharmacies should be cautious, as the high temperatures could affect certain drugs. Labeling on most drugs states that medications should not be exposed to temperatures in excess of 86 degrees, but one north Texan discovered the mailbox where his drugs are delivered reaches temperatures of 124 degrees.
The man used a mail-order company for his prescription sleep medication, Ambien, but when he got the pills home and tried to use them to sleep, they did not work. He contacted the drug maker and the pharmacy, where it was determined the hours in the mailbox in excessive heat had affected the strength of the medication. Experts say the excessive heat could lead to gel-cap medications melting and the deterioration of active ingredients at temperatures higher than 90 degrees.
When the investigative news team approached drug makers with the findings, they cited warning labels regarding temperature on most medications and stated most drug makers are not sure what the effects of heat-exposed drugs on patients would be.
The Dallas Drug Injury Attorneys with Ferrer Poirot Feller Daniel ask that patients make sure medications are not exposed to heat by leaving them in mailboxes, cars, or rooms with little to no ventilation. The drug may not work as it is supposed to and could cause serious harm. Contact them immediately if you feel a drug you are taking did not work properly and caused you injury.