10/16/2025
Weekly Pharmacy Fact: Why Meds Work Differently in Cold Weather
o Explore how temperature affects absorption and storage.
Absorption and Effectiveness
o Cold weather can slow blood circulation, which may affect how quickly injected or transdermal medications are absorbed.
o A recent study showed that timing of drug administration relative to cold exposure can alter therapeutic effects—some drugs worked better when taken before cold exposure, others after exposure.
Storage Stability
o Freezing can damage drugs, especially biologics like insulin and vaccines. Once frozen, these medications may lose potency and become ineffective—even if they thaw later.
o Liquid and injectable medications are more vulnerable than pills or capsules. Even brief exposure to freezing temperatures can degrade their chemical structure.
o Mail-order prescriptions are at higher risk during winter. Meds left in mailboxes, cars, or delivery trucks may be exposed to extreme cold.
o Check out more information here: https://ow.ly/XtGO50Xb03q
