Chijioke Iremeka Pharmacists have stated that climate change may impact on the efficacy of drugs stored in a harsh environment and tempered with their expiry dates. They recommended that drugs be stored in a cool environment, especially in hot climates. The senior health professionals explained that each medication had specific chemical and physical properties sensitive to heat and humidity.
The pharmacists noted that rising temperatures due to climate change could adversely affect the shelf life of certain drugs, particularly those that require high humidity for stability. According to the United Nations, climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns caused by changes in solar activity or large volcanic eruptions. Speaking with PUNCH Healthwise in different interviews, the pharmacists highlighted that high temperatures and extreme heat events resulting from climate change could adversely affect the shelf life of medications.
A former National Secretary of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, Jonah Okotie, explained that each drug had unique chemical and physical properties influenced by temperature. He added that while some medications remain stable under specific conditions, others are more susceptible to temperature fluctuations. He noted that humidity and heat have significant implications for drug properties, with heat causing medications to deteriorate before their intended expiration dates.
Okotie stated, “Climate chan.