Medicines are among the most important needs of individuals during their illness. However, due to the chemical properties of the medicines, it is necessary to pay attention to the storage conditions. Therefore, medicine storage conditions are of great importance for the medicine to be stored safely until its expiration date. While some medicines can be stored in the medicine cabinet, some medicines have more specific storage requirements. The ideal temperature values at which medicines should be stored may also differ. This is why it is important to know about medicine storage conditions.
When stored medicines are to be used again, date control must be done. It is also important to pay attention to the information about how to store medicines in pharmacies, hospitals, laboratories or homes. It is very important to ensure the storage conditions specified in the medicine package inserts. Medicine storage conditions that are vital for human health; It requires sensitivity for both health and economy. For this reason, we ask, “What should be known about medicine storage conditions?” We answer the question. We also share with you the duties of medical coolers to store medicines.
How do medicines deteriorate and how to tell if they are broken?
Medicines should always be stored under the conditions specified in their package inserts. Because if it stays below or above a certain temperature, the risk of deterioration of medicines increases. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the information about whether the medicines can be stored in the refrigerator or at what temperature they should be stored. Unpacked medicine storage conditions require more care. Because when the package is opened, the effectiveness of the medicine may decrease. The fact that unpackaged medicines also carry a risk in terms of hygiene creates a negative effect on health.
It is very important to check whether there are signs of medicine deterioration before using the medicines. Thus, the use of medicines that will not be effective in the treatment or that may cause poisoning is prevented. Here are the clues that the medicines are spoiling:
- When powdered medicines deteriorate, agglomeration is noticeable.
- Signs of deterioration in tablet medicines; It manifests itself as refraction and color change.
- If there is sedimentation in liquid medicines, it indicates that they are spoiled.
- The smell of the medicines used in the cream type is an important clue. Drying, odor change or mold indicates deterioration.
If the medicine storage conditions are provided correctly; Medicines can be stored for 2 years from production. Usually the expiration date is determined accordingly. However, if the medicines are exposed to heat or sunlight, the risk of deterioration increases. Especially in such environments, it is necessary to check the medicines before using them. Impaired medicines can cause serious poisoning by causing a reaction. Moreover, the inability to use medicines that deteriorate before the expiration date reflects on the health sector as a significant economic loss.
Cold Chain Medicines and Storage Conditions
Cold chain application in medicines is preferred for medicines that require special storage conditions. Special storage conditions are provided for temperature-sensitive and sensitive medical products, as well as vaccines, from procurement to use. Keeping medicines at a certain temperature during transportation and storage is a part of the cold chain application. Because the ingredients in some medicines can easily deteriorate depending on the temperature. When cold chain application is required between medicine storage conditions, it is necessary to pay attention to the following situations:
- If medicines need to be stored in the refrigerator, it is strongly not recommended to use the freezer compartment. Having a temperature of 2 to 8 degrees in the storage area is considered ideal for products that require cold chain application.
- Using a medicine cabinet is of great importance to protect medicines. Arranging the medicines on the shelves at intervals facilitates the circulation of cold air.
- In order for the cold chain application to run smoothly, the refrigerator should not be overfilled. Preferring medical coolers with a suitable capacity for the amount of product supports the safe storage of medicines.
The main issue emphasized in terms of cold chain medicine storage conditions is that low temperature as well as high temperature increases the risk of deterioration. Therefore, while the temperature between 2 and 8 degrees is gaining importance, the importance of medical coolers is emphasized.
Where Are Medicines Stored?
“Where is the medicine stored?” in order to prevent the deterioration of medicines. The question is one of the most frequently asked questions. Considering the instructions for use, it can be stored in the refrigerator if it is specifically stated. Otherwise, it is appropriate to store the medicines at room temperature. While medicine storage conditions require a room temperature of 20-25 degrees, temperature values between 15 and 30 degrees are considered the limit.
Medical refrigerants are used extensively in pharmacies, hospitals and laboratories. Because there are too many medicines, vaccines and medical supplies here. The medical equipment required for the protection of these products necessitates the use of medical coolers. However, medicine storage conditions in homes cannot create the healthy environment provided by medical coolers. While storing medicines, heat, light and humidity are among the factors that should be kept away from medicines.
Therefore, environments such as kitchens and bathrooms are not recommended for storing medicines. He prevents medicines from spoiling by using a medicine cabinet in places that are usually dark and dry and where the appropriate room temperature can be maintained. After opening the packaging of medicines, storage conditions require more attention. Even if the package is opened, it is important that the expiration date is visible with the medicine. It is as important as the storage conditions to check the condition and the date of the medicine before each use.
Correct Storage Conditions for Safe Medicine Use
The areas of use of medicinal medicines vary according to the patient and his needs. First of all, the use of medicines in the treatment of diseases is very common. There are medicines to eliminate the disease or to prevent the symptoms of the disease in the person. In this whole process, safe medicine use comes to the fore for patient safety. From procurement to storage of medicines; Medicine safety is defined as ensuring safe use until transfer and use at the last stage. Medicine storage conditions are also an important part of safe medicine use. Safe medicine use is very important for public health and the country’s economy.
Some medications may need to be stored, especially in the refrigerator. If powdered antibiotics prepared by reconstitution are not stored in the refrigerator, they lose their therapeutic effectiveness after 3 or 4 days. Storing creams in the refrigerator prevents them from spoiling in a short time. However, using cold creams also increases the therapeutic effect.
The correct storage conditions of medicines differ according to the chemical substances they contain. For this reason, it may be beneficial to get support about storage conditions from the warehouses and pharmacies where the medicines are supplied.
The Importance of Medical Refrigerants on Medicine Storage Conditions
Devices designed for the storage, storage or transportation of medical products that require a temperature of 2 to 8 degrees are defined as medical coolers. Clinics, laboratories and pharmacies are among the places where medical coolers have used the most. Because medicines, vaccines, blood and similar samples can be safely stored in these cabinets. All the facilities required for medicine storage conditions are also possible thanks to these medical refrigerators.
Coolermed stands out with the products it offers considering the needs of the medical industry. Coolermed medicine cabinets provide great benefits for the pharmaceutical industry. Medicines can be safely stored in clinics and pharmacies. Because in these medicine cabinets, two different temperature adjustments can be made. Having refrigerator and freezer sections provides ease of storage according to the properties of the medicine.
In cases where there is no electrical energy required to store medicines, Coolermed products can convert renewable energy into consumable energy. Thanks to outdoor accessories, it is possible to reach electricity with the help of panel form or battery. Thus, it is easier to reach the coolers necessary for the storage of medicines in open areas. With the products it offers, Coolermed includes alternatives that make a difference both for the health sector and for the environment. You can also evaluate Coolermed medical freezers and easily choose the products with the volume and features you need.
You can read our previous article from https://coolermed.com/en/what-are-the-vaccine-storage-conditions/ .
