AboutBarbara Judge Expertise Outpatient pharmacy and general health. I have recently completed a Pharmceutical Care Certificate Program offered by Purdue University (Spring 1999 completion). I have personal experience dealing with terminally ill persons and their needs, as well as their families` needs. I graduated in 1984 from Pharmacy School and have been a Licensed Pharmacist since then. I have 18 years retail pharmacy experience. Prior to my pharmacy training I have 3 years hospital experience as a Nurse`s Aide.
Question Hello,
My question is, "Is it ever a bad thing to refrigerate medication or supplements?"
Most bottles I read say either store between 15-25 degrees celsius, or in a cool dry place. My apartment at times can be beyond 30 degrees celsius everwhere except the refrigerator. I know heat acts as a catalyst speeding up chemical reactions, which means the hotter the faster supplements decompose. Therefore my refridgerator which would be about 3 degrees celsius should be a much better storage place than a 30+ degree apartment. But everywhere I look for an anwser nobody seems to have a clear idea on this.... Currently I have Bupropion HCl, Tramadol HCl, DHA/EPA, Glucosamine/Chondroitin, 5-HTP, Amino Acid supplements, Creatine, Tribulus, Melatonin and a very potent multivitamin, and occasionally I will have some other supplement(s). Is it okay to refridgerate any/all of theese?
Thankyou for your time
Xavier
Answer No, you should not refrigerate these drug products. Refrigerating drug products is just as likely to cause them to degrade as is exposing them to excessive heat. Most refrigerators are both too cold for most drug products and also too humid or too moist for most drug products. The moisture and coolness will also cause chemical changes that are unwanted. As the labels state, it is best that the drugs be stored in a cool dry place, protected from changes in light and humidity and extremes in temperature.
