A warning has been issued to people with allergies to be extra careful during the hotter weather.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has reminded people that certain medicines can be affected by the heat and can change how your body responds to medication.
Anyone who has an EpiPen should be cautious throughout the summer, as the hot weather can affect them.
It is possible that EpiPens will stop working if they are left in the heat.
Why do people with EpiPens need to be careful in summer?
The MHRA has said most medicines need to be stored at temperatures below 25C, but many cars, trains, and buses can reach above this in the summer.
Rooms, bags, and pockets can also heat up and cause problems if you are spending a day outside.
The hotter weather can break down the active ingredients in medicines meaning they might not work when you need them.
This includes EpiPens as well as inhalers, hormone patches, tablets, and insulin.
The MHRA has said if your medicine has changed colour, developed an unusual smell, looks different in any way or has changed texture, it might have been damaged by the heat.
To make sure your EpiPen does not overheat, you should not leave it in parked vehicles or in a warm bag.
You can store it in a cool bag if you are going to be out all day and need to take it with you.
Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA, said: "Let's face it – when there's a heatwave, most of us are focused on getting outside and enjoying it while it lasts.
"But it's easy to forget that medicines left in the heat – in cars, bags, or on sunny windowsills – might not work properly when you need them.
"Some medicines can also make you more likely to burn in the sun, feel dizzy, or get dehydrated, especially if you're taking diuretics or have a condition like asthma, heart disease, or diabetes.
"To stay safe in the heat:
"Store medicines somewhere cool, dry and out of direct sunlight – especially if you're out and about.
"Know the signs of heat-related illness – stay hydrated and listen to your body.
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"Take extra care in the sun if your medicine makes your skin more likely to burn.
"And remember, for all medicines it's important to read the leaflet and speak to a healthcare professional if you have any questions."
What are you doing to stay safe in the heat? Let us know in the comments.
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