There are several places you should never store some medication
You may be ruining your medication without knowing it(Image: MementoJpeg via Getty Images)
You probably know the drill when it comes to keeping your food and drink from going off – but did you realise that getting storage wrong with your meds could be just as dodgy? If you are not careful about where you store your birth control pills, you might end up with a batch that is ineffective.
That’s especially so if they’ve been left out while you’ve been sunbathing or left in your bathroom or kitchen. According to medical experts at health website Medical News Today, medication such as contraceptives needs a cool, dry spot away from the sunshine.
If it gets too much light, it might stop doing its job. The site warns: “Prolonged periods of extreme temperature may damage birth control and make it less effective. It is important to store birth control safely.”
Make sure you read how to store your tablets – and never assume(Image: Getty)
The heads-up is particularly timely given the recent heatwave we’ve had in the UK. So, remember to keep an eye on your prescription, especially when you’re collecting it from the pharmacy or GP – don’t leave it cooking in your car.
You should also steer clear of popping it in the bathroom cabinet or near the cooker, as Surrey Live reports humidity could also damage the pills. It’s not just the hot spots either as places that are too cold can mess with your meds as well.
How do I know if my birth control has been affected by temperature?
The experts note that you may notice that:
- the pills stick together
- they have visible chips, holes, tears, or other damage
- they have a change in smell or colour
- the pills feel softer or harder than usual
“Medications may not always alter visibly with temperature changes. If birth control has no noticeable changes but a person knows it has been in extreme temperature for a prolonged time, or if they have any doubts, it is best to be cautious”, they warn.
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Concluding their advice, the site urges people to store birth control in a dry, cool location at room temperature. If there is any concern that temperature may have affected the effectiveness of the birth control, it’s best to discard it and use a new one or rely on a backup method.
If someone is unsure how to store their birth control or suspects it may have been damaged by temperature, they should check the storage instructions on the package insert. They should then follow any guidance provided with the medication, or consult a pharmacist or the manufacturer for advice.
NHS – contraception services
The NHS has handed out advice to those who are unsure of what to do(Image: Carl Court/Getty Images)
Contraception services are free and confidential on the NHS. You can get contraception, including emergency contraception, for free from:
- sexual health clinics, also called family planning or contraception clinics
- some GP surgeries
- some young people’s services (call the national sexual health helpline on 0300 123 7123 for more information)
Some pharmacies offer the contraceptive pill for free without you needing to see a doctor or nurse for a prescription. You can find a pharmacy that offers the contraceptive pill without a prescription here.