Germany cautions heat may render medicines ineffective and launches community aid platform

Temperatures above 25 °C can alter the chemical stability of many medicines, potentially making them ineffective even though they appear unchanged, according to Prof. Irene Hinterseher of the German Society for Vascular Surgery and Medicine. The advice is to keep drugs cool, dry and out of direct sunlight, store them in a refrigerator vegetable compartment at around 8 °C, and use sealed containers to avoid moisture. Medications that require refrigeration, such as insulin, certain antibiotics and eye drops, should be kept between 2 °C and 8 °C and transported in insulated bags without direct contact with cooling elements.

In Bergisch Gladbach, a citizen portal has been set up to match residents needing help during the extreme heat with volunteers offering assistance. The platform collects requests for everyday tasks like shopping or pharmacy visits and connects them with local aid groups such as the Alten‑ und Familienhilfe Bensberg and Refrath‑Frankenforst, as well as larger organizations like the ASB, DRK and Caritas. The initiative aims to reduce heat‑related strain on vulnerable people by facilitating short‑term, unbureaucratic support.