As New Jersey braces for sweltering temperatures every July, protecting your health goes beyond SPF and hydration—it extends to how you store and handle your medications.

Every summer, pharmacists at Al Excellence Pharmacy, serving New Brunswick and East Brunswick, see a spike in medication mishandling issues caused by high temperatures. From ineffective insulin to melted creams and expired inhalers, heat damage is real—and often irreversible.

Here are 7 common mistakes NJ patients make during heatwaves, plus expert advice to ensure your medications stay safe and effective all summer long. 

1. Leaving Medications in a Hot Car

The Mistake: One of the most frequent and dangerous errors is storing medications—even temporarily—in the car. Interior vehicle temperatures can exceed 130°F in minutes.

The Fix:
Always carry medications in a cool, insulated bag. For heat-sensitive drugs like insulin or nitroglycerin, use gel packs or portable fridges. If you’re unsure about a product’s temperature tolerance, consult with Al Excellence Pharmacy’s expert pharmacists before travel.

2. Not Reading the Medication Label for Temperature Requirements

The Mistake: Many patients assume medications are shelf-stable. But several prescriptions and over-the-counter meds are labeled “store at room temperature (68–77°F)”—which doesn’t apply in July without A/C.

The Fix:
Check your medication labels carefully or ask your pharmacist. Common heat-sensitive medications include:

• Insulin
• Thyroid meds (like levothyroxine)
• EpiPens
• Biologics
• Eye drops

Ask Al Excellence Pharmacy for cold-chain compliant packaging or safe transport recommendations during hot weather.

3. Using Bathroom Cabinets or Kitchen Drawers

The Mistake: Many patients store their prescriptions in humid, temperature-fluctuating places like bathrooms or near ovens.

The Fix:
Choose a dry, dark, and cool place—like a dedicated drawer in your bedroom or a storage box away from windows and vents. Remember: even if pills look unchanged, heat and humidity can silently reduce their effectiveness.

4. Not Refilling Medications Before a Heatwave Surge

The Mistake: Waiting until the last minute to refill can leave you exposed when delivery delays or power outages strike.

The Fix:
Al Excellence Pharmacy makes this easy with 24/7 online refill requests, same-day delivery, and even emergency orders across New Jersey. Don’t wait for a 95°F forecast—get refills early and ask about auto-refill programs to avoid gaps in treatment.

5. Traveling Without Proper Storage Gear

The Mistake: Heading to the Shore or family BBQs without protecting your meds from extreme temps.

The Fix:
Ask your pharmacist for a summer travel medication kit. Al Excellence Pharmacy offers vacation-ready packs and guidance on storing prescriptions for:

• Weekend trips
• Beach days
• Airplane travel

Their bilingual team (English, Spanish, Arabic) can even help label medications for international trips.

6. Ignoring Warning Signs of Medication Degradation

The Mistake: Continuing to use meds even when they show visible signs of heat damage—like color changes, unusual smell, or separating liquids.

The Fix:
Be alert to changes in appearance, texture, or potency. If you’re unsure whether a medication is still usable, bring it to your nearest Al Excellence Pharmacy for inspection. Better safe than sorry.

7. Not Asking for Storage-Smart Alternatives

The Mistake: Some patients don’t realize they can request heat-stable alternatives from their provider.

The Fix:
Discuss options with your physician and pharmacist. For example:

• Switch to heat-stable insulin pens
• Use tablet forms instead of reconstituted suspensions
• Get single-use packaging that’s easier to protect in the heat

Al Excellence’s pharmacists can help you talk to your doctor and submit insurance-friendly medication alternatives when needed.

Why Al Excellence Pharmacy Is NJ’s Go-To for Summer Medication Safety

With over 12,000 patients, a 4.6/5 rating, and two NJ locations, Al Excellence Pharmacy is uniquely equipped to guide you through summer health risks.

Here’s how they help heatwave-proof your medications:

• Free statewide delivery—so you don’t have to venture out in a heatwave
• 24/7 online refills and same-day pickup
• Trilingual staff who listen and educate
• Emergency orders if your meds spoil or get lost
• Medication counseling and personalized storage recommendations

Whether you’re managing chronic illness or picking up a quick refill, their team ensures you’re summer-ready.

Final Tips: How to Keep Medications Safe All Summer

✔ Create a “medication go bag” for car trips and emergencies
✔ Keep meds away from windows, stoves, or bathroom humidity
✔ Set a reminder for early refills—especially during heat alerts
✔ Ask your pharmacist for insulated travel cases
✔ Don’t hesitate to throw away compromised meds—and get replacements fast

Conclusion: This July, Don’t Let the Heat Compromise Your Health

As New Jersey summers continue to heat up, your medications need protection just as much as your skin. Avoid the top 7 mistakes and partner with a pharmacy that prioritizes your well-being.

Al Excellence Pharmacy, located in New Brunswick and East Brunswick, provides all the tools, expertise, and support to help you safely manage medications—even during July’s toughest heatwaves.