How Heat Can Affect IV Medication Storage and Delivery

As summer settles into North Texas, temperatures outside are regularly climbing into the triple digits. For our patients receiving IV home infusion therapy, this kind of heat isn't just uncomfortable — it can compromise the safety and effectiveness of medications that must stay within a specific temperature range from the moment they leave our pharmacy to the moment they're infused.

Infusion medications and nutrition are sensitive compounds that begin to break down when exposed to excessive heat. Even a short period in a hot car, on a sun-baked porch, or near a window can be enough to affect potency. That's why we want to walk our patients through exactly what to expect from us — and what we need from you — to keep your medication safe all summer long.

What Landmark Does to Protect Your Medication

Before your medication ever reaches your door, we take steps to make sure it survives the trip:

• Cold-chain packaging. Every box is packed with ice packs and an insulated silver liner to maintain a safe temperature range during transit.

• Special insulated shipping boxes. For patients receiving deliveries via FedEx or UPS, your medication travels in a dedicated insulated box designed to keep contents cool throughout the shipping process — even in extreme heat.

• Delivery coordination. Our delivery team stays in contact with you regarding your estimated time of arrival, so your package doesn't sit outside longer than necessary.

  
  

What We Ask of You When Your Medication Arrives

• Unpack immediately. As soon as your delivery arrives, bring it inside and unpack it right away. Don't let the box (or boxes) sit outside or in a hot entryway, even briefly.

• Verify your shipment. While unpacking, check that you've received all necessary medication and supplies. Confirm your name and date of birth on the labels before storing anything.

• Store promptly. Once verified, promptly place your medication in the refrigerator, following the storage instructions provided by your pharmacy team.

• Check the temperature indicators. If the ice packs are completely melted or feel warm to the touch upon arrival, don't assume the medication is still safe to use. Contact Landmark right away at 866.388.3883 so our clinical team can assess the situation before you administer anything.

• Stay connected. Keep an eye on your phone and our patient communication app, CITUS, for real-time delivery updates. Staying connected helps ensure you're home (or have arranged an alternate plan) when your delivery arrives.

  
  

Everyday Storage Habits That Make a Difference

Beyond the moment of delivery, a few simple habits at home go a long way in protecting your medication throughout your treatment:

• Keep medications in the refrigerator, away from the door and freezer compartment, where temperatures fluctuate the most.

• Avoid the bathroom or other humid areas for any non-refrigerated supplies — humidity and heat can both affect stability.

• Never store medication near a stove, dryer, sunny window, or other heat source, even indoors.

• Use a thermometer in your refrigerator if you're able, to confirm it's consistently within the 36°F–46°F range.

  
  

Traveling or Running Errands? Plan Ahead

• Never leave medication in a hot car, even for just a few minutes. Vehicle interiors can heat up rapidly, and that kind of heat can damage medication quickly.

• If you need to transport medication, use an insulated cooler bag with an ice pack, and bring it inside as soon as you reach your destination.

• If you know you have a busy day of errands ahead, plan your infusion and medication handling around it rather than leaving medication unattended in transit.

  
  

Preparing for Power Outages

Summer storms and heat waves can sometimes bring power outages, which pose their own risk to refrigerated medications:

• Know in advance how long your specific medication can safely remain unrefrigerated in an emergency, and confirm this with our clinical team.

• Keep a cooler and ice packs on hand as a backup in case of an extended outage.

• If you experience a power outage lasting more than a few hours, call us at 866.388.3883 so we can advise you on next steps for your specific medication.

  
  

Setting Up for a Safe Infusion

When it's time to infuse, make sure you have a clean, comfortable place indoors — away from direct heat or sunlight — where you can follow the necessary steps to infuse your medication properly and safely.

When in Doubt, Reach Out

If you're ever uncertain whether your medication has been compromised by heat — whether during delivery, storage, or transport — don't guess. Call us before administering. Our team would always rather answer a quick question than have you use a medication that may not be safe or effective.

As always, we are here for you 24/7 and are committed to ensuring your IV home infusion therapy is successful. Should you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to your prescribing physician, home health nurse, or Landmark Infusion. Our Clinical Pharmacy team can be reached at 866.388.3883.