What might be an effect of improper medication storage?

The effect of improper medication storage can lead to decreased effectiveness and increased risk to patient safety. Medications often require specific conditions for storage, such as controlled temperature, humidity levels, and protection from light. When these conditions are not met, drugs can degrade, lose potency, or become harmful due to contamination. For instance, some medications may become toxic, while others lose therapeutic effects, leading to unintended health consequences for patients who rely on these medications for their conditions. Proper storage practices are essential in ensuring that medications remain effective and safe for use, thereby directly impacting patient health outcomes.