The MHRA's July 2026 summer warning was aimed at patients, but it carries a wider message for the whole medicines supply chain. Heat and poor storage can affect some medicines and medical devices, and storage requirements need to be respected at every stage: manufacturer, wholesaler, pharmacy, clinic and patient.
The regulator reminded people that many medicines are intended to be stored below 25C, while some require refrigeration and others need protection from light or heat. The MHRA specifically highlighted medicines such as insulin, some inhalers, creams for skin conditions and some contraceptives, as well as devices including blood glucose monitors and insulin strips.
Why summer storage matters for supply chains
Patients often notice storage advice when a medicine reaches their bag, car or bathroom cabinet. Pharmaceutical operators have to think earlier. Product quality can depend on temperature-controlled receiving, warehousing, picking, packing, dispatch and delivery handover.
Good distribution practice is not only about whether a fridge exists. It is about validated processes, monitored storage, controlled excursions, training, records and clear escalation when something goes wrong.
Operational checks for warmer months
During hot weather, pharmacies and wholesale teams should pay particular attention to:
- temperature records for storage areas and transport routes;
- goods-in checks for products that may have been exposed during transit;
- packaging choices for products with tighter temperature requirements;
- handover instructions where the receiving party needs to act quickly;
- clear quarantine and escalation processes for suspected excursions;
- staff awareness that cars, vans, windowsills and unconditioned rooms can become much hotter than expected.
The MHRA advice for patients is to check the patient information leaflet or packaging, avoid leaving medicines in hot locations, store medicines somewhere cool and dry, and speak to a pharmacist if unsure. In wholesale and pharmacy operations, those same principles become documented systems.
Cold-chain credibility is built in the quiet details
Cold-chain and temperature-controlled supply are often described in broad terms, but the real standard is shown in everyday controls: how products are received, how exceptions are recorded, how teams decide whether a product remains suitable, and how information is passed to the next professional in the chain.
Logan Pharmaceuticals' quality page sets out the importance of GDP-led operations and regulated handling. For product-specific storage or supply conversations, contact the team before stock is moved so the correct requirements can be reviewed.
Sources
Primary source: MHRA: Hot cars, hot luggage - why where you store your medicines matters this summer, accessed 30 July 2026.