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There are certain medications which must be stored in cold conditions, usually between 2-8°C (35.5F – 46.4F). When exposed to temperatures outside this range, they become less effective due to instability. These are called cold-chain drugs. For people with diseases such as diabetes and glaucoma, good refrigerators to keep their medicines are a necessity. However, one major issue faced by patients is the need to keep these drugs in cold conditions at all times. It is very strenuous and impractical to have to rely on hotel refrigerators or keep your insulin pens in a flask of ice every time you have to travel. That’s where the portable refrigerator comes in. A handy, elegant, portable device that can keep your medicines in good condition anytime, anywhere. A lifesaver, right? What’s more, it is affordable, durable and best suited to keep your injections, eye drops and nasal drops.
Stellar features of the Portable Medicine Refrigerator at Home Care
Who can use the portable medicine refrigerator?
Basically, anyone taking cold-chain medications can use the portable medicine refrigerator. Your pharmacist will educate you on the storage requirements of any medication you’re on, that way you’ll be aware of which drugs need to be refrigerated. More so, you can refer to the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) that comes with your drug product. It contains specifications for storage, and any drug meant to be kept below 30°C can be stored in this refrigerator, especially those meant to be kept between 2-8°C.
Whatever the case may be, the portable medicine refrigerator will come in handy whenever you need to travel long or short distances and still be able to take your drugs anytime.
Here are a few list of conditions where cold-chain drugs are usually prescribed;
1. Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition where there is too much sugar in the blood. Mainly, it is of two types; type 1 and type 2. In type-1, the there is a reduction of the hormone, insulin, which is responsible for breaking down your blood sugar into energy. While both types require insulin, People with Type-1 cannot do without it. All forms of insulin can only be stable at 2-8°C, to be used within a month. Insulin is given daily in divided doses, so it’s very inconvenient not to have a portable refrigerator. Insulin pens can be stored in the portable medicine refrigerator with ease. Your drug will be kept in safe and stable conditions for optimal effect.
2. Glaucoma
This is a condition affecting the eye, which may cause blindness. It occurs as result of some sort of damage to the nerve connecting the eye to the brain. Certain eye drops may be prescribed for people with this condition. While some are stable at room temperature, any eye drop containing latanoprost must be stored between 2-8°C. For instance, Xalacom is a well-known eye drop used for glaucoma patients, containing a combination of latanoprost and another drug, timolol. This can be safely stored in the portable medicine refrigerator for use anytime.
3. Postmenopausal osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones become weak. This is more common in women than in men. In women who have passed the stage of menopause, a certain drug, Miacalcin may be used. Unopened miacalcin bottles and nasal sprays must be stored in the refrigerator at 2-8°C for up to 30 days.
1. Cancer
Certain tablets and injections my be used for cancer patients. As cancer drugs are usually very pricey, you cannot purchase another set just because you want to travel for a vacation or business meeting. With the portable medicine refrigerator, you can keep your tablets stored in the right conditions. An example is Chorambucil tablet which needs to be taken once everyday and stored at 2-8°C. Also, your injections can be appropriately stored for administration by your private nurse or doctor.
2. Patients on reconstituted antibiotics
Certain antibiotics such as amoxicillin and erythromycin are bought in powder form and then mixed or “reconstituted” with water to be taken orally. This is usually done for babies and people who can’t swallow tablets. This reconstituted solution must be stored at temperature conditions within 2-8°C. In case you’re travelling with your baby, just take the required amount of solution in a small, corked tube and put in the portable medicine refrigerator. This will prove to be useful and life-saving as antibiotics are usually taken two-four times daily.
Many other medications may be stored in the portable medicine refrigerator. For instance One-Alpha oral drops used as vitamin D supplement, vaccines and certain creams. All you have to do is confirm from your pharmacist and read the patient information leaflet to know the storage conditions required.
Pharmacies and labs may also use the portable medicine refrigerator for transporting small amount of samples within a short period of time. It will be a good accessory to keep in the institution for certain emergencies.
Why do I need a portable medicine refrigerator?
There are numerous advantages to owning a portable medicine refrigerator. Some of these include;
1. Convenience
Imagine not having to worry about the availability of refrigerators everywhere you go. With portable refrigerators, you can travel anywhere and anytime and be at peace, knowing that your medications are properly stored and within reach.
2. Accurate dosing
One reason patients may forget to take their drugs is if they simply don’t carry it along with them. This is usually the case with patients who have to keep their drugs in the home or pharmacy refrigerator. Missing a dose will definitely affect your treatment, so this should be avoided at all costs. With a portable refrigerator, you can conveniently have your drug with you at all times and prevent any delay in taking a dose at the right time.
3. Goals of treatment will be achieved
When there is proper storage of drugs, they remain as effective as they should be. Moreover, with the convenience owning a portable medicine refrigerator comes with, patients can religiously follow their prescribed dosage regimen which will ensure that the treatment goals are achieved.
How do I use my portable refrigerator?
The portable medicine refrigerator is very easy to use. Before using, make sure you go through the user manual included in the package. It contains a detailed explanation of the contents of the product package, how to use the device and the usually encountered problems as well as how to tackle them. For an overview, here are a few guidelines on how to use the portable medicine refrigerator;
Keeping your portable medicine refrigerator in good condition
Although the portable medicine refrigerator is durable, it has to be stored properly and maintained to keep it at its best. The portable refrigerator at Home Care usually comes with accessories needed for smooth operation of the device. Below is a list of what is in the pack;
Be sure to study the user manual before use. Here are few guidelines to ensure proper storage and maintenance;
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
▶What should I do when my portable medicine refrigerator is not cooling?
The first thing to do is check the surrounding environment. The portable medicine refrigerator will not cool below 8°C if the external environment is above 30°C. If the problem persists, contact the service personnel.
▶How do I know which medications to keep in my portable medicine refrigerator?
The storage information will be available on your Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) which comes with your drug product. It will be specified, “store between 2-8°C”. Drugs like insulin, Xalacom eye drop, glucagon are examples of such drugs. When in doubt, consult your pharmacist for guidance.
▶Can I store food items in my Portable Medicine Refrigerator?
No. Ideally, this has been designed to keep medications such as insulin and other injectables. Small ampoules and vials of drug solutions can also be kept in the portable refrigerator.
▶How long can the refrigerator last without being plugged in?
The portable refrigerator can go up to 8 hours before charging. However it is best to recharge the battery before it gets really low.
▶How long can I keep my drugs in the portable medicine refrigerator?
This will vary from drug to drug. Some drugs must be discarded after a week of opening, others may be kept for up to a month. Please refer to the patient information leaflet (PIL) which comes with your product or speak to your pharmacist to guide you.
▶How many years warranty is given for this product?
Like all products purchased from the Home Care website, you get 1 year worry-free warranty.
▶How much is the Portable Medicine Refrigerator and how can I order?
On the Home Care shopping site, it goes for $199.99 $129.99. To order, visit https://homecarewholesale.com/products/portable-medicine-refrigerator.
