cross-posted from: https://lemmy.blahaj.zone/post/15424151
So today we finally got around to reading the instructions for some of our patches (Estradot) and realised they say not to put them in the fridge (or freezer but we wouldn’t put patches in the freezer anyway). We took them out but they have been in there for months.
Are they ruined or less effective?
We started doing it because our other patches (Evorel) denatured once a while ago, and wanted to avoid the same fate with these ones since it’s been a hot summer and have nowhere really cool to store them since we are on the top floor of a building and thus it gets very hot up here, even in our drawers.
So we are wondering what exactly is the problem with them being in the fridge and are they ineffective now or will they be okay now that they’re in the a drawer and hopefully stay cool for the rest of the month?
We have left our other patches (Evorel) in the fridge as they don’t say not to.
I’m not on patches but know a lot about drugs.
For long term storage, a glass container in the dark with a desiccant packet will keep most drugs shelf stable in most environments under 100°f.
The fridge is a recipe for bacteria and condensation to affect your meds. It’s less about temperature as it is about humidity.
Oh, thanks!
Have any links to examples of glass containers? Where can dessicant packets be purchased?
Well, we did put them in plastic boxes, two air tight and one box that was for candy before, so not sure if that changes anything. Also, the patches are in sealed packets and in a cardboard box themselves, so would that have helped?
You can buy reusable dessicant packets from Amazon or eBay. Use it until they change color, throw em in the oven r use em.
Glass container should be anything that makes a nice solid seal, like glass Tupperware or something.
Thanks so much.
We were using plastic tupperware boxes, will those do for now?
I’m unsure.
I personally hate plastic for anything given micro plastics. It’s probably fine but I still hate plastic so heavily biased.
You can re-use desiccant silica packs that are commonly used in retail & food packaging. You can dehydrate them by putting them in the oven. White rice can similarly be dried out in the oven and used as a desiccant.
What temperature should the oven be and for how long should they be heated for?
You want to put them in at around 210°F for 3-5 hours.
If you’ve got a food dehydrator, use that instead.
Thanks so much for helping!