Concerns About Medication Left in Heat
At 27 years old, standing 5’5" tall and weighing 150 pounds, I have no history of smoking. Recently, I was diagnosed with mastitis and received a prescription for Keflex. After taking my initial dose on the way home, I completely overlooked the fact that my medication had been left in the car under the scorching sun for several hours while I dealt with a fussy baby. Although I ended up taking my nighttime dosage, I'm now worried about the safety of the medication. Should I reach out to the pharmacy in the morning to inquire about obtaining a replacement?
Answers (1)
7/28/2025, 3:40:36 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about the safety of your medication after it was left in a hot environment. Medications like Keflex (cephalexin) can be sensitive to extreme temperatures, and prolonged exposure to heat can potentially reduce their effectiveness.
Explanation:
Keflex should be stored at controlled room temperature, generally between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). When left in a hot car, especially in direct sunlight, the temperature can exceed this range significantly. While a single dose taken after leaving it in the heat may not cause immediate harm, it’s possible that some potency was lost.
Next Steps:
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Assessing Your Current Condition: Monitor yourself for any unusual symptoms such as increased fever, worsening swelling, or pain in the area affected by mastitis. If you notice any significant changes, consider taking note of these with regard to your ongoing treatment.
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Contact the Pharmacy: Given your concerns, it’s advisable to call your pharmacy in the morning to discuss the situation. Explain the circumstances and ask whether you should obtain a replacement prescription based on the potential loss of effectiveness. The pharmacist can give you tailored guidance based on their experience with the medication.
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Continue to Take Care of Yourself: If you have been instructed to take Keflex until you speak with the pharmacy, continue with your prescribed dosage unless advised otherwise, while being mindful of any adverse symptoms.
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Stay Hydrated & Manage Pain: Make sure to stay hydrated and follow any other care instructions for mastitis, such as warm compresses and pain management strategies, to ease discomfort.
It’s great that you are proactive about your health and medications. Let me know if you have any other questions or need further assistance!
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