How Medly Keeps Your Medications Temperature-Controlled

Many medications require refrigeration so that they can remain safe and effective. You might be worried that when temperatures soar, delivery of your refrigerated medications isn’t possible. Thankfully, we’ve developed a comprehensive process to address outdoor temperature variations, so you can rest assured that your medications will always arrive to you under optimum conditions.

##What are temperature-controlled medications? Temperature-controlled medications are those that are sensitive to fluctuations in temperature and must be kept at certain temps in order to work. Below, you’ll find a sampling of medications that require some form of temperature control:

Eye and Ear Drops:

• Chloramphenicol
• Cyclopentolate
• Latanoprost
• Latanoprost/Timolol
• AzaSite

Reconstituted Antibiotics:

• Amoxicillin
• Erythromycin
• Augmentin

Tablets:

• Leukeran
• Alkeran
• Ritonavir
• VePesid

Injections:

• Insulin
• Interferons
• Byetta
• Victoza

Other Types of Medications and Supplies:

• Pulmozyme Nebuliser solution
• MUSE urethral application
• Rapamune
• Miacalcin Nasal
• Phenergan Suppositories

Why do medications have to be temperature controlled?

If a medication is exposed to a temperature that is above its recommended range, it can not only render the medication useless, it may also be harmful to the user. That’s why it’s essential to maintain the proper temperature during transit and storage. While most medications have temperature limits, some require very specific cold environments to remain safe and effective.

The majority of biologic medications manufactured today, for instance, need to be temperature controlled during shipping.

There are three main reasons why a medication needs to be refrigerated:

• Efficacy: Some medications lose the ability to do what they are designed to do when they are not refrigerated.
• Sterility: Medications, such as eye drops and ear drops, are often made without preservatives. This makes them more susceptible to bacteria growth at room temperature, which could cause infection.
• Composition: The basic form of a medication can be compromised at high temperatures. This is especially true with medications in suppository form which are designed to dissolve at warm temperatures.

How does Medly deliver temperature-controlled medications?

We make sure that every medication that leaves our pharmacy is stored and shipped properly at its specific required temperature range using special packaging, which is essential when shipping sensitive medications. Medly packages medications with ice gel packs inside temperature-controlled coolers, a crucial step to maintaining proper temperatures.

This ensures that the medications retain their integrity even if the container is exposed to heat for several hours. And with same-day delivery, you can get your much-needed medications fast.

We also offer free, same-day delivery right to your front door and we don’t ship medications using a third-party transit company. Instead, you can rest assured knowing that a Medly employee will personally deliver your medications. This provides a level of control and quality assurance just like you’d get from your local brick and mortar pharmacy.

Home delivery allows home-bound and physically challenged patients to receive their medications on time. And you don’t have to worry about your medication spoiling on the drive home like you would if you were picking them up yourself.

How do I know medications should be refrigerated?

Read the Rx labels on your medications. Manufacturer’s instructions come with each medication and will specifically state storage directions. Of course, you can also always call a Medly pharmacist and ask! We have a dedicated team of pharmacists ready to answer your questions by phone or video call, free of charge.

Even though many medications are fine stored at room temperature (59-77 degrees Fahrenheit), it’s always a good idea to keep medications away from direct light, heat and moisture.

Here’s a guide to medication storage guidelines

Medication Package Storing Guidelines

• 59 to 77 Degrees Fahrenheit – Room Temperature
• 46 to 59 Degrees Fahrenheit – Cool Temperature
• 35.6 to 46 Degrees Fahrenheit – Refrigeration
• -13 to 14 Degrees Fahrenheit – Freezing

Where should I store my medications when traveling?

When you’re going on a trip it’s best to always keep your medications in their original containers. This will eliminate any confusion regarding name or dosage while retaining the child-resistant closure. If you’re traveling by car keep your medications away from children, vents, and never store them in the trunk. Keep your medication close to you in a cool dry place inside the passenger part of the car.

If you’re flying it’s a good idea to check with the TSA website for the most up-to-date information, though over-the-counter medications are allowed through airport checkpoints. Only bring as much as you need for the trip. Keep your medications in their original containers and place them all into clear plastic bags in your carry-on luggage.

If the containers contain over 3.4oz, they’re exempt from the TSA’s rule in regard to carry on liquids, but you will have to declare them for proper screening.

Medly’s commitment to medication safety

At Medly, we focus on the integrity of the temperature-controlled medication we deliver to our patients on a daily basis. If you have any questions about your medications you can easily contact one of our pharmacists 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with any concerns or questions you may have. We pride ourselves on delivering quality medications in temperature-controlled packaging to ensure you receive safe, reliable medication deliveries.

Resources Should Medications Be Kept in the Fridge Temperature Stability and Storage of Medications Food and Medication Storage