Health authorities have cautioned that essential medications used by millions in the UK may lose effectiveness in the scorching 37°C heatwave. Insulin pens, weight-loss injections, and asthma inhalers are among the medications that need to be stored below 30°C when not refrigerated. In hot weather spells, these medications left in bags, cars, or on windowsills can quickly warm up, affecting their performance when used later.
Exposure to direct sunlight or high temperatures can significantly degrade insulin, leading to reduced potency and increased blood glucose levels in Type 1 Diabetics. Similarly, overheating can alter the chemical composition of asthma inhalers, making them ineffective during asthma attacks. Weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can also lose efficacy when exposed to prolonged heat.
Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA, emphasized the importance of storing medications properly during heatwaves to ensure their effectiveness. She warned that certain medications can increase the risk of sunburn, dizziness, or dehydration, especially for individuals with conditions like asthma, heart disease, or diabetes.
The London Ambulance Service reported a record number of life-threatening emergencies due to the extreme heat. Ambulance crews responded to 642 category one calls on a day of rare red warnings and temperatures reaching 35°C. These incidents included severe injuries and illnesses such as cardiac arrests and patients in critical condition.
Jason Killens, the Chief Executive, acknowledged the unprecedented demand for emergency services during the intense heatwave. He praised the hard work of ambulance crews and urged the public to take precautions against the heat by staying hydrated and avoiding excessive sun exposure.