How to Store Medicines Safely During Load-Shedding & Summer Heat
Reviewed by Dr. Amna Noor, Pharm-D — Lead Pharmacist, IMA Pharmacy Plus
Most medicines are designed to be stored below 25–30°C, away from moisture and light. In a Rahim Yar Khan summer — with load-shedding cutting refrigeration — that takes a little planning.
The golden rules of home storage
- Keep medicines in their original packaging with the label intact
- Choose a cool, dry cupboard — not the bathroom or kitchen windowsill
- Never leave medicines in a parked car, even briefly
- Keep everything out of children’s reach and sight
- Check expiry dates every few months and return expired stock to the pharmacy
What actually needs a fridge?
Insulin, some eye drops, certain antibiotic syrups after mixing, and some vaccines require refrigeration at 2–8°C. During load-shedding, keep the fridge door closed — it holds safe temperatures for roughly four hours. For longer outages, an insulated cool bag with gel packs works well; never let ice touch the medicine directly, and never freeze insulin.
Reconstituted antibiotic syrups are time-limited even in the fridge — usually 7 to 14 days. Write the mixing date on the bottle and discard what remains after the course.
Signs a medicine has gone bad
Tablets that are crumbling, discoloured, or smell unusual; capsules that are sticky or cracked; syrups that have separated or changed colour; insulin that is clumpy or frosted — none of these should be used. When in doubt, bring the product to IMA Pharmacy Plus and we will inspect it with you, free of charge.
