Summer is meant to be a carefree time. Most days are spent soaking up the sun, at the pool, or on vacation with the family. During this time, it’s important not to forget your medication and how to safely use it in the summer.
Today, your caring McAllen pharmacists at Saenz Pharmacy will list the top four tips for using medication safely in the summertime.
1.Spend Less Time Out in the Sun
A side effect that many medications have is an increased sensitivity to the sun. Because of this, you are more likely to get sunburned, which could eventually lead to skin cancer.
Medications that cause this include:
- Doxycycline: used to treat bacterial infections in the urinary tract, respiratory and intestinal system, along with Lyme disease, malaria, and acne.
- Tetracycline: used to treat bacterial infections in various tracts of the body including respiratory, urinary, intestinal, as well as sexually transmitted diseases, acne and rosacea.
- Pennsaid solution: intended to take care of pain from osteoarthritis in the knee.
- Solaraze gel: intended to help with swelling, pain, and sensitivity to light after eye surgery.
If you are unable to limit your time in the sun, here are a few tips to protect your skin:
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Remember to reapply often.
- Cover yourself with an umbrella.
- Use clothing to protect your skin such as long pants, long sleeves, hats, and sunglasses.
2.Give Yourself Reminders to Take Medications
Time seems to travel at a different speed during the summer months, and taking your medication can get lost in all the coming and going. For that reason, we recommend giving yourself reminders to take your medication.
Some ways to set reminders include:
- Setting a daily alarm on your phone.
- Using a weekly pillbox or container for your medication.
- Taking your medication at the same time every day to make it a habit, either with your morning coffee, before dinner or bed, etc.
3.Correctly Store Your Medications
Summer is the time for traveling. Whether you’re flying, driving, or hiking, it is critical to correctly store your medication so that it does not get lost or damaged by the heat and humidity.
A few tips to keep your medication safe would be:
- Ask your pharmacist for specific instructions on storing the medication.
- Read the instructions that come with the medication insert.
- Avoid keeping it in the car for an extended period of time.
4.Have the Necessary Medications for Emergencies
In the event of a medical emergency for yourself or your children, it is best to have the necessary medication close by. Taking the extra time to bring this with you or create an emergency medication box could save a life.
A couple of examples of necessary medications include:
- An epinephrine auto-injector: Allergic reactions can happen quite frequently, and in some cases can become life-threatening. For that reason, it is wise to have an EpiPen handy.
- An asthma inhaler: This hand-held device delivers medication to the lungs for those suffering from an asthma attack. Whether for yourself or a family member, it is always worth having one close by.
- Nitroglycerin: This oral medication is used to prevent chest pain (angina) in people with coronary artery disease. It allows blood to flow more easily to the heart by relaxing and widening the blood vessels.
- Glucagon: This medication is used to reverse the effects of low blood sugar levels. If you or a loved one have Type 1 diabetes, this drug can greatly reduce the risk of complications from low blood sugar.
- Diastat or Nayzilam: This drug is a short-term treatment for severe seizure episodes.
Visit Saenz Pharmacy for More Tips on How to Safely Handle Your Medication!
At Saenz Pharmacy, we understand that there’s no such thing as having too many questions when it comes to your medication, especially during the summer months.
Your McAllen pharmacists are happy to answer these and more concerns!
Remember to set up your prescriptions to be refilled at our pharmacies through our app.