What to do with refrigerated medicine during a power outage

When the power goes out due to winter weather, summer storms or simply because someone knocked down a power line, there are a few things to take into consideration. First off, will it affect the safety of your food? Secondly, can you stay warm or cool enough to be comfortable without the help of your A/C or heating? But there’s also the problem of refrigerated medicines like GLP-1 medications, certain antibiotics and others. What should you do with refrigerated medicine when the power goes out? 

Heather Kundert, PharmD, offered some key advice for what to do with refrigerated medicine during a power outage.

Keep them inside the home 

“This applies regardless of power loss, but it’s just an essential fact to start with,” said Kundert. “Even if it’s cold outside, don’t store any medications in cars, garages, porches or outdoors in any way.” 

The outside temperature can be subject to significant swings over the course of a day or dip below freezing at night even if the daytime was warm and comfortable. Freezing temps can damage liquids, inhalers and injectables.  

Avoid extreme temperature changes 

“Medications kept at room temperature can be damaged if they freeze even once,” said Kundert. “Even some meds that are meant to be refrigerated can be damaged by freezing, too.”  

Avoid freezing: 

• Liquid medications (antibiotics, insulin or eye drops)
• Injectables and biologics
• Inhalers, which can burst or lose pressure

Keep unrefrigerated meds in the warmest interior room, away from windows or exterior walls, to avoid any kind of significant swings in temperature throughout the day. Just keep them away from drafts, fireplaces, space heaters or candles, and in their original containers to protect them from moisture or light. 

“During the winter or much colder temperatures, consider insulators to keep room-temp medicines a little warmer,” said Kundert. “This could be as simple as wrapping them in a towel or bubble wrap.” 

Stability is key for refrigerated medications 

“For refrigerated meds, like insulin, it’s so important to keep them at a stable temperature within the right range,” said Kundert. “Keep your refrigerator doors closed as much as possible, so that there aren’t a lot of shifts in temperature.” 

In the event of a prolonged power outage, place meds that need refrigeration into an insulated cooler inside the house, with a thermometer if possible, to track the temperature inside.

Do not place medications directly into ice or snow! 

Check for buildup of condensation and moisture, which can ruin tablets, capsules and powders. Keep containers closed and dry. 

Check on your meds once the power is back 

“Once a prolonged power outage ends, check on your medications,” said Kundert. “Look for any changes in color, clarity, texture or smell. If your medication is unusually warm, don’t assume it’s still safe!” 

If you’re in doubt, call a pharmacist, who can often tell you quickly whether or not you can still safely use that medication. 

Make sure you have it all written down 

“Keep a list of your medications on you, either written down on paper or stored in your phone,” said Kundert. “Include not just the kind of medication and your dosage amount, but also the prescriber’s contact information in case you need an urgent replacement. I also recommend writing down the phone number for your pharmacy.” 

Kundert’s most important advice on what to do with refrigerated medicine during a power outage? Never take a chance with high-risk medications like insulin, seizure meds, transplant meds or biologics. If storage conditions were questionable for any length of time, verify before using. If you’re not sure, stay on the safe side and replace them.