When you have an invisible chronic illness beating the heat can require a lot more than a quick trip to the city pool or locking yourself up indoors with the air conditioning blasting on high. I got to thinking about this last night as I was laying awake, feeling every ache and pain, as well as my kidney infection and that low-grade-bottom-of-your-stomach nausea that antibiotics bring on.

Summer has always been a mixed blessing for me; longer days, more to do, and more positive opportunities for fun coupled with increased fatigue, random fevers, annual lung or kidney infections, allergies, hives etc…

Luckily,  over the years, I have learned a few tricks and tips. Today I’d like to focus my admittedly waning energy on discussing some finer points about medications that you may not be aware of.

For many excessive heat brings on a whole new set of symptoms and problems including things like making sure medication stays at proper temperatures while traveling and for many, minimizing exposure to the suns rays in order to avoid allergic reactions.

Many medications, particularly antibiotics, Thiazide diuretics, NSAIDs, certain blood pressure medications and estrogen, such as that used in hormone replacement therapies, as well as several over the counter, or OTC, medications and topical treatments also come with sun-exposure warnings, such as skin products that contain vitamin A or alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and sunscreens that contain para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA).

These types of medications, mixed with too much direct sun, can cause two different types of reactions. The first, Phototoxicity, happens when proteins in the skin react to the medication and the sunlight, which in turn causes a far worse sunburn that can be more painful, red, swollen and even blister. The second reaction, called Photoallergy, reacts with the same proteins and with UV light which will create an antigen in ones blood stream leading to a visible allergic reaction. Since this type of reaction affects your immune system it can remain in your body and cause additional reactions later.

You can avoid these kinds of reactions by carefully checking all of your medications and topical treatments for warning labels advising you keep out of direct sunlight and by making sure to always carry a safe-for-you sunblock, cool long sleeved shirts and a hat. Don’t forget your optical health will benefit from remembering sunglasses, even on bright-but-overcast days.

The troubles between heat and medication don’t end there. It’s critically important for nearly all medications to be stored between certain temperatures and rarely is it acceptable for a prescription or even OTC medicine to be stored above 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 Celsius), nor, for that matter, should the be stored below 59 degrees Fahrenheit (15 Celsius). At high temperatures the drugs components will start to degrade and lose potency which can lead to the medication not working correctly for your needs.

It is vital that if your medications are exposed to excessive heat and then you take them that you be extra aware of any side effects and report them immediately to your health care worker. If you feel that your medication has been unduly affected by heat you can often work with your HMO, health care provider and pharmacy to get you a replacement for the duration.

The good news is our friends in the medical equipment and storage field know that there are millions of folks out there with invisible chronic illnesses who refuse to live in a cave so they have created nifty gadgets and tools to help keep our medications safe like this great little bag from Insulpak.  http://www.insulpakbag.com/ Another option is to invest in an inexpensive hard-side cooler and some reusable ice packs to take with you on your outings and excursions.

It’s important to remember that (unless you have it properly insulated) you should never store your medication in your car, especially not in the trunk or glove compartment. When traveling long distances make sure you keep your medication at as stable a temperature as you can and immediately secure it and store it properly when you arrive at your destination.

When at home, make sure to keep your medications away from heat/cold sources as well, including air conditioning/heat vents, stoves and ovens and hot water tanks.

Lastly, since I never want to miss the chance, don’t forget to drink plenty of water; not only will you look and feel better but it will allow many pills to do their job better and help your body flush out toxins.

Now that you have these few essential “summer-and-medication” tips under your belt go make some plans to enjoy this glorious season, map out that hike, fire up the grill, pull out your suit and flip-flops and get your summer fun on!