Are your antibiotics, insulin and heart drugs becoming less effective before expiry date?

Humidity affects tablets by causing them to absorb moisture. This can make them crumble, stick together or degrade. Moisture also harms capsules, especially soft gel capsules, and may cause syrups to become unstable. Even creams and ointments can separate when exposed to heat. Insulin, thyroid medication, antibiotics, probiotics and certain heart medicines are especially sensitive to temperature variations. Storing them incorrectly can make them less effective, even if they have not reached their expiry date.

The light effect

Light exposure is another factor people rarely think about. Some medicines break down when exposed to direct sunlight. This is why many liquid medicines come in amber-coloured bottles. When kept on open shelves, window sills or cars, they can deteriorate faster. It is important to read the label because it usually mentions whether the medicine needs protection from light.

Don’t leave them in your bags

One more common mistake is leaving medicines in cars or bags for long periods. Temperatures inside a parked car can rise very quickly. Many medicines are meant to be stored at room temperature, usually between 20°C and 25°C. Anything above this range can cause chemical changes. For medicines that need refrigeration, like some injections and biologics, exposure to room temperature for too long can make them lose their effect. These medicines must be stored in the refrigerator but not in the freezer. Freezing can damage their structure and make them unsafe to use.

Another overlooked issue is improper handling of blister packs and bottles. People often remove all tablets from blisters and store them together in small containers. This increases their exposure to air and moisture. Storing loose tablets also removes the protection of original packaging, which is designed to maintain stability. It is always better to keep medicines in their original pack with the label intact. The label carries storage instructions, expiry date and dosage details, which are important for safe use.

Keeping medicines within the reach of children is another safety concern. If children accidentally swallow a medicine, the dose may be much higher than what their body can handle. Storing medicines in a cool, dry and high place reduces this risk.

The right routine

A correct storage routine is simple. Keep medicines in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight. A bedroom drawer or a high shelf in a living room is usually safer than a bathroom cabinet. If a medicine requires refrigeration, store it in the main compartment, not in the door, because the temperature in the door fluctuates more. Always close the cap tightly after use, check expiry dates regularly and discard medicines that look discoloured, swollen or damaged.

Storing medicines correctly ensures that they work the way they are meant to. A small change in your routine can protect their effectiveness and keep you safe.

(Dr Chatterjee is internal medicine specialist, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi)