A temperature excursion means that a medicine (or vaccine, or any temperature-sensitive product) has been
exposed to temperatures outside its approved storage range for any amount of time.
For example:
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If a medicine should be stored in a refrigerator (2–8 °C) but is accidentally left at room temperature (25 °C) for a few hours — that's a temperature excursion.
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If a medication meant to be stored at room temperature (20–25 °C) is exposed to heat (like 35 °C in a car) or cold (like freezing in a fridge) — that's also a temperature excursion.
In short:
Temperature excursion = any deviation from the manufacturer's recommended storage temperature.
These excursions matter because temperature changes can:
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Reduce a drug's potency or stability
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Alter its appearance or composition
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Lead to loss of effectiveness or even safety risks