Instead, save that space for bandages and toothpaste. Keep medicines in a cool, dry place, like a hallway linen closet, bedroom closet or even a kitchen cabinet away from the stove. If children or animals can get into these spaces, consider a higher shelf or lockbox.

SPECIAL PACKAGING Don’t be lulled by expensive special packages designed to “protect” drugs, like a bubble or foil pack. There is no evidence that these packages protect medicine any better than a standard pill bottle, Dr. McKennon said.

That said, never take medicine out of the original packaging where it may be more exposed to the elements. One exception: Elderly or seriously ill patients often need day-by-day pill boxes to help keep their dosages accurate. These should be stored in a cool, dry place.

A special note about insulin: It can easily degrade if it is frozen or too hot, said Dr. Vivian Fonseca, a physician and president-elect of the American Diabetes Association. Unopened bottles of insulin are best kept in the refrigerator. Open bottles, however, can be kept at room temperature, which also makes injections more comfortable.

TRAVEL PRECAUTIONS Temperatures in a car can skyrocket while it is parked in a sizzling lot or driveway. That’s why it is best to keep medicines in a purse or a separate bag when you travel. When you leave the car, take the medicines with you.

Take care during the hot summer months and frigid winter months if driving to the drugstore. Be sure to come straight home with the precious cargo.

“It’s easy to assume you’re going to come right home from the drugstore,” Dr. Fonseca said. “But often you’ll get distracted, run a few errands and the next thing you know it’s an hour or two later. On an extremely hot day, that’s not good.”