Medications Sent via Mail-Order Often Exposed to Unsafe Temperatures Risking Patient Safety

Karlee Paloukos, PharmD candidate, University of Utah College of Pharmacy, explains the risks of mailing prescriptions, which are likely to spend a substantial portion of time outside the recommended safe temperature range for most medications, and highlights why increased regulation of mail-order pharmacies are needed to ensure appropriate storage conditions. 

References:

1. ASHP. Mail-order Medications Often Exposed to Unsafe Temperatures, Study Shows [press release]. https://www.ashp.org/news/2020/12/09/mail-order-medications-often-exposed-to-unsafe-temperatures-study-shows?loginreturnUrl=SSOCheckOnly. Published online December 10, 2020. 
2. Paloukos K. Speckman M. Assessment of Unrefrigerated Shipping Methods Used by Mail-Order Pharmacies and Exposure of Medications to Unsafe Temperatures. Presented at: 2020 ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting and Exhibition; virtual: December 10, 2020.