Summer’s here—and while you’re planning for BBQs or beach trips, don’t forget about your meds! At MedPlus Pharmacy, we’ve seen it all: melted pills, skipped sunscreen, and hydration fails.
Don’t sweat it. Here are the top 5 medication mistakes people make during summer in the U.S.—and what pharmacists would recommend instead.
💊 1. Leaving Your Medications in a Hot Car
The Mistake:
You bring your meds on trips, toss them in your bag… and forget them in the car while running errands. Big mistake!
Summer heat in places like Texas, Florida, and even Massachusetts can cause cars to reach over 130°F—not an ideal temperature to keep most medications.
How to Fix:
Always store medication in a cool or room temperature, dry place. If you’re out and about, stash them in a thermal bag or cooler. Some medications (such as insulin or certain antibiotics) require refrigeration—check with your pharmacist if you’re unsure.
🧴 2. Skipping SPF While on Photosensitive Medications
The Mistake:
You’re taking meds like antibiotics, acne treatments, or birth control—and skipping your sunscreen because you “don’t usually burn.”
Why That’s Bad:
Certain drugs or medication can make your skin extra sensitive to sunlight, leading to severe burns, discoloration, or even rashes.
How to fix:
Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, even on cloudy days. At MedPlus, we stock dermatologist-approved sunblock for sensitive skin, ideal for those on medication. Reapply every 2-3 hours and after a swim.
Bonus Tip: Use mineral sunscreens if you have skin reactions to chemical ones.
💦 3. Not Drinking Enough Water with Medications
The Mistake:
You’re more active in summer, that’s great! But never forget to drink enough fluids—especially when taking meds.
Why That’s a Problem:
Dehydration can reduce the effectiveness of medication or increase side effects like dizziness, headaches, or constipation.
This is especially true for blood pressure meds, diuretics, and antihistamines.
How to Fix:
Drink 8–10 glasses of water daily (more if you’re sweating a lot). Always take pills with a full glass, unless directed otherwise. We recommend to keep a water bottle with you at all times.
😬 4. Using Skincare Medications During Peak Sunlight
The Mistake:
You’re applying topical treatments like retinoids or benzoyl peroxide in the morning before facing the peak of sunlight in your outdoor activities.
What Happens:
These meds can make your skin more vulnerable to burns and irritation under UV rays.
How to Fix:
Apply these treatments at night only. In the morning, cleanse gently and use soothing, non-comedogenic sunscreen. We recommend checking our summer skincare aisle for pharmacist-approved combos.
⏰ 5. Changing Your Routine (and Forgetting Doses)
The Mistake:
Vacations and spontaneous summer plans throw off your routine—with a different activity schedule makes you forget about your daily meds.
Why It Matters:
Missing doses—especially of antibiotics, birth control, or chronic condition meds—can lead to health setbacks.
How to Fix:
Set daily reminders on your phone. Use a pill organizer container for the week!. Remember, if you’re traveling, ask your pharmacist for tips on adjusting for time zones.
🧠 Final Thoughts from Your Local Pharmacist
At MedPlus, we’re more than just your neighborhood pharmacy—we’re your 360 healthcare partner, helping you stay safe through every season.
Have questions about your medication this summer? Stop by our local pharmacy, shop online at mplusrx.com, or take advantage of our free delivery pharmacy services—because staying healthy should be easy, even in 90°F weather.
