Regular seminars will be held on the topic "Effect of rising temperature on medicines"
Federation President Suneel Yadav asserted that research done in various countries on rising temperature can be taken into consideration. The geographical conditions of India are very different and there are many inequalities at the economic and social level too, therefore it is necessary to make the general public aware by the pharmacists.
Advisory of Pharmacist Federation issued regular seminars/ awareness programmes will be held on the topic "Effect of rising temperature on medicines" Mr. Yadav informed that the Federation has started a campaign conduct awareness programmes to make the pharmacist community and the general public aware of the rising temperature, advisory is being issued in the first phase. The online seminars will also be organized for community, hospital, clinical, industrial pharmacists, in which subject experts will provide detailed information. A role of community pharmacist is indeed very essential in the well thought programme.
Federation's Scientific Wing Chairman Prof. Dr. Harlokesh Yadav from AIIMS New Delhi, said that the Federation is concerned about the impact of rising temperature on the quality of medicines. Active chemicals in most OTC and prescription medications react strongly to high temperatures. Exposure to high temperatures for too long can cause a medication to degrade and it may become ineffective or even harmful. If your medication has been exposed to a high temperature for prolonged time, contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider before using it.
You might notice oral tablets crumbling more easily, for instance, or gel caps sticking together, Liquids might look cloudier than normal, or maybe you notice an odd smell. Those are all signs that fluctuations in temperature or moisture may have affected the medication and it may no longer be as effective. The regulatory authorities shall follow the storage guidelines very strictly at the medical shops and pharmacist can advise the purchaser with regard to storage at home.
Prof. Dr. Prakash V Diwan Advisor of federation opined that India's pharma sector is progressing to achieve global competence in pharma sector., He mentioned the need to ensure the high quality medicines of global standards. Active drugs used in medications are temperature-sensitive. When stored in hot or cold places, they can become unstable and even degrade, posing a risk of negative side effects and decreasing their effectiveness. Most antibiotics are temperature-sensitive expect couple of them.
Medicines like Insulin, monoclonal antibodies, Paediatric antibiotics, Rescue medications such as asthma inhalers, EpiPens and nitro-glycerine (which is also sensitive to light) need to be kept within strict temperature ranges. Medicines may cause heat intolerance medicines, Anti histamines, Decongestants, Psychiatric medicines.
Dr Diwan insists that rigorous approach towards the awareness programme should be initiated for Pharmacists and general public and also to the health care professionals for better health care. It is usual practice that Doctors, Pharmacists keep first aid kits in cars, ambulances which may affect the effectiveness of medicines in extreme conditions . Proper storage is suggested to avoid hazards.
According to Professor Kunal Agam Kannaujia of Dr RML Avadh University Ayodhya Suggest to Keep medications in a cool place away from direct sunlight, and avoid keeping in bath rooms and kitchen and use Insulated Containers. Regularly check the storage area to ensure medications remain cool and undamaged. Regularly inspect medications for any signs of damage or changes in appearance, such as melting or discoloration.