Seasonal Medication Considerations

Weather and seasons affect your medications and health needs in ways you might not expect. Here's how to manage medications year-round.

Summer Challenges

Heat and Medications

Storage Concerns:

• Heat degrades many medications
• Never leave medications in hot cars
• Store in cool, dry places
• Refrigerate only what requires it

Medications Affected by Heat:

• Insulin
• Certain heart medications
• Thyroid medications
• Some antibiotics
• Suppositories and creams

Sun Sensitivity

Some medications increase sun sensitivity:

• Certain antibiotics (tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones)
• Some diuretics
• Retinoids
• Some antidepressants
• NSAIDs

If you take these:

• Use higher SPF sunscreen
• Wear protective clothing
• Avoid peak sun hours
• Stay hydrated

Heat-Related Risks

Some medications affect your body's heat response:

• Anticholinergics: Reduce sweating
• Beta-blockers: Affect blood pressure in heat
• Diuretics: Increase dehydration risk
• Antipsychotics: Impair temperature regulation

Precautions:

• Stay cool and hydrated
• Limit outdoor activity in extreme heat
• Watch for heat exhaustion signs

Winter Challenges

Cold Weather Effects

On Your Body:

• Blood pressure may rise
• Joint pain may worsen
• Asthma may be triggered
• Circulation may decrease

On Medications:

• Some become thick or hard to use
• Insulin can freeze (never use frozen insulin)
• Liquid medications may thicken

Flu Season Considerations

Before Getting Sick:

• Get flu vaccine (check medication interactions first)
• Stock up on approved OTC medications
• Know which medications are safe to add

When Sick:

• Continue regular medications unless directed otherwise
• Check OTC medications for interactions
• Stay hydrated
• Contact doctor if unable to take regular medications

Holiday Disruptions

Common issues:

• Travel schedule changes
• Irregular meals
• Alcohol at gatherings
• Stress affecting health

Solutions:

• Maintain medication timing despite schedule changes
• Set extra reminders
• Pack extra medications for travel
• Limit alcohol with medications

Spring Challenges

Allergy Season

Before Adding Allergy Medications:

• Check for interactions with current medications
• Many antihistamines affect other drugs
• Decongestants affect blood pressure
• Steroid sprays are generally safer

Common Interactions:

• Antihistamines + sedating medications
• Decongestants + blood pressure medications
• Allergy medications + certain antidepressants

Time Change (Daylight Saving)

Adjusting Medication Timing:

• Most medications: Shift gradually or maintain body time
• Time-sensitive medications (insulin, seizure medications): Consult doctor
• Hormones: Maintain consistent interval

Fall Challenges

Back-to-School/Routine Changes

Maintaining Schedules:

• Re-establish consistent routines
• Update medication organizers
• Schedule medication reviews
• Stock up before holidays

Flu Shot Season

Medication Considerations:

• Most medications are safe with flu shot
• Blood thinners: May cause more bruising
• Immunosuppressants: Discuss timing with doctor
• Check with pharmacist about specific interactions

Year-Round Tips

Traveling Across Seasons

When visiting different climates:

• Protect medications from temperature extremes
• Adjust for new time zones gradually
• Bring enough medication plus extra
• Keep medication list with you

Regular Medication Reviews

Good times for reviews:

• Change of seasons
• Before/after travel
• When adding new medications
• Annual physical

Emergency Preparedness

Always have:

• 7-day emergency medication supply
• Updated medication list
• Important phone numbers
• Extra supplies (organizers, etc.)

When to Contact Your Doctor

Reach out when:

• Weather is affecting your health significantly
• You're adding seasonal OTC medications
• You're experiencing new symptoms with weather changes
• You're planning travel to extreme climates

Seasons change, but your medication management can remain steady with proper planning.