Summertime is here! Summer’s a great time to get outdoors and do activities away from home. While out of the house, make sure you stay safe with these summertime medication tips:

 

1. Watch out for sun sensitivity
Many medications can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Sun sensitivity can easily lead to sunburns, itchy spots, redness or swelling.To protect your skin from sun-damage, try and limit your sun exposure during peak hours,  apply sunscreen often, stay in the shade or wear a hat and  clothing specifically designed to block UVA and UVB rays.

 

Here are common meds that can make skin sensitive to the sun:

  • Antibiotics in the tetracyline family (ex. Doxycyline)
  • Fluoroquinolones (ex. Ciprofloxacin)
  • Tricyclic Antidepressants (ex. Amitriptyline)
  • Acne Medications (ex. Retin-A)
  • Diabetes Medications (ex. Glyburide)
  • Hypertension Medications (ex. Hydrochlorothiazide)

 

2. Set reminders for your medications
Because summer days and nights can be busier than usual, it can be difficult to take your medication regularly, and at the right times.  To avoid missed doses, set an alarm reminder on your phone or use a pill organizer with day/time labels.

 

3. Store medications properly
Whether traveling or not, pay attention to any medication storage requirements. These are usually found on the bottle, medication box or in the package insert.  Most medications do well at room temperature, but others can be damaged by extreme temperatures, humidity, or even light.

  • For light sensitive medications – keep these in amber colored packaging. Make sure the bottle is always sealed and away from direct light.
  • Avoid storing medication in glove compartments or center consoles for long periods of time – these areas can get very hot!.

4. Have emergency medications on hand & within reach

 

If you have any of the conditions below, make sure to have your emergency medications available.

  • Nitroglycerin – to quickly relieve chest pain in people with heart problems.
  • Asthma inhaler – to relieve bronchoconstriction (difficulty breathing).
  • Epinephrine Injection – for emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions.
  • Glucagon – to reverse severe low blood sugar (especially in Type 1 diabetes patients).

We hope you are able to get outside a bit, enjoy the sunshine, eat some delicious watermelon and stay safe with the help of these medication tips 😎. Always consult your doctor for any health related problems.