In the wake of Storm Arwen and with the possibility of more severe weather this winter, advice is being issued to those who take medications that should be refrigerated.

Thousands of people across the country found themselves without power after Storm Arwen and this can be worrying if their medication needs to be stored in the fridge.

The reason that some medications need to be kept in the refrigerator is to maintain the stability and effectiveness of that medication.  Examples can include insulins, antibiotic liquids, injections, eye drops and some creams.

These medicines must be stored between 2ºC and 8ºC (35.6 – 46.4 Fahrenheit).  Allowing these medicines to reach room temperature does not make them harmful, but they may well become less effective, depending upon how warm they became and for how long.

Faye Prescott, Senior Medicines Optimisation Pharmacist for Morecambe Bay Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said: “Proper storage is critical for a lot of medications.

“If you have been affected by the recent power cuts you may have concerns about the medication you’ve had stored in the refrigerator at home. If this is the case, please check the Patient Information Leaflet found within the medication box and if you’re still unsure or you have any questions about the safety and/or storage of the medication, please contact your community pharmacy for expert advice and they’ll advise you on what to do next.”

To find out where your local pharmacy is, visit: https://www.nhs.uk/find-a-pharmacy.