88% of Pharmacists Expect More Heat-Affected Customers

Rising summer temperatures are putting a strain on pharmaceutical therapies and patient care across German pharmacies.

Key Clinical Takeaways:

• Nearly 88 percent of surveyed pharmacy professionals expect an increase in heat-affected customers over the next three years.
• More than 90 percent of specialists rate the risk of medication-related complications during heatwaves as high for older adults.
• Transport and storage conditions present major risks, with about 70 percent of professionals viewing mail-order shipping as hazardous for temperature-sensitive drugs.

A survey conducted by the market research institute Aposcope on behalf of Apotheken Umschau surveyed roughly 1,000 pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to gauge the growing crisis. Sixty-six percent of participants noted an increase in heat-related customer complaints over the past three years, primarily dizziness and cardiovascular issues. For the next three years, roughly 88 percent expect an even higher volume of affected individuals in pharmacies.

Vulnerable populations face particularly acute threats during prolonged heatwaves. Roughly 90 percent of surveyed professionals consider the risk of medication-related complications high among older adults. For patients with preexisting cardiovascular conditions, 85 percent of respondents classify the risk as high.

Extreme heat triggers complex physiological shifts in the human body.

The European Society of Cardiology emphasizes that extreme heat accelerates heart rate and increases cardiac workload. Fluid loss can elevate the risk of arrhythmias and ischemia, while concentrated blood raises thrombotic tendencies. Beyond older adults, individuals with pre-existing heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and renal dysfunction face heightened risks when using blood pressure medications or diuretics.

Scientific findings support these clinical concerns regarding cardiovascular stability during warm weather. An analysis published in JAMA Network Open covering over 4.2 million summer doctor visits demonstrates that short-term heat extremes correlate with slight declines in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

This pattern appeared most pronounced in adults aged 65 and older and in patients with hypertension, regardless of medication status. The sharpest drops occurred on the day of heat exposure and the preceding day, though long-term cardiovascular consequences remain unclear.

Further research published in the journal BMC Geriatrics examined 680 patients aged 65 and older in Zonguldak, Turkey, between June and August 2026. The cohort, featuring an average age of 71.3 years with 48.1 percent women, revealed that 75.9 percent suffered from at least two heat-related symptoms. 52.1 percent experienced a clinical deterioration, and 82.4 percent reported inadequate cooling at home.

High temperatures also compromise the physical integrity of pharmaceutical products during transit and storage. In the Aposcope survey, nearly 70 percent of respondents rated mail-order shipping as the riskiest transport route for temperature-sensitive medications. Ulrike Holzgrabe of the University of Würzburg recommends storing medications strictly between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius.

Angela Thiel-Bodenstaff from the University Hospital Homburg warns against stopping medications arbitrarily, advising that dosages should only be altered after medical consultation. She suggests increasing daily fluid intake by one to two liters, monitoring electrolyte balances, and keeping preparations cool.

Research groups such as the Heat and Medications Task Force at the University of Arizona, led by Mona Arora, emphasize that numerous active ingredients—from antidepressants to over-the-counter remedies—intensify heat sensitivity by reducing sweating, altering fluid retention, or increasing photosensitivity. A structured medication review in pharmacies, taking about an hour, offers a viable approach to identifying these risks early.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.