When the sun's out, guns out, but then we realize that our medications are sweating too! Let's talk about the heat wave hitting your medicine cabinet.

You might think that the worst of summer is the merciless sun turning your soft, moist skin into a dried fruit snack. But, believe it or not; your prescription drugs are probably suffering more than you. Pharmacy and health expert Jennifer Bourgeois reveals that many meds, when set under high summer temperatures, might as well say, "Yeah, I quit."

Here's the science: The molecular structure of many medications can't really handle heat. In brutal weather, these frazzled structures degrade, affecting your drugs' potency and effectiveness - it's like asking a wilted lettuce to be the star of your summer salad.

Pop that pill out and you might see the signs - Tablets changing colors, melting, or emitting weird odors. Creams and gels may turn watery or thick as a brick. Each of these changes can drastically affect your meds' ability to do their job.

Contrary to what you would like to believe, drugs aren't on vacation when the temperature's between 68°F and 77°F. Ideally, they want to stay at a comfy, predictable temperature. And spoiler alert: Each drug likes its own perfect temperature. Some divas, like insulin, antibiotics, and certain nasal sprays, prefer hanging out at cooler temperatures, around 35-46°F.

Interesting fact: Inhalers and aerosols can explode in high temperatures. Even medication patches can lose their chill if the adhesive melts.

But there's no need to get all hot and bothered about this. Here's how to keep your meds cool and functional, especially when the mercury rises:

1. Follow the storage directions on the product's packaging. This isn't just fine print - it's your medication's plea for the right environment.

2. Store them smartly. That medicine cabinet in your bathroom? It might be time to relocate your meds. That steamy post-shower ambiance could do them a disservice.

3. Think ahead. Never, and we mean never, leave your meds in a hot car during your summer escapades. The heat can start breaking down their proteins in mere hours.

4. Traveling? Keep your medications in an insulated container with cold packs. But remember, too cold can be as damaging as too hot. Pro tip: avoid direct contact between the meds and the cool pack.

5. Remember, car temperature can shoot above 100°F. When flying, carry your meds in your carry-on. Airlines' baggage areas aren't good at climate control.

Remember, just a hot minute with your meds in the wrong conditions could lead to ineffective treatments. Every pill has its preferences and the summer heat is likely not one. Read your labels, ask your pharmacists, and for kale's sake, don't leave them in your car during a July heatwave.