Introduction
Most of us have a medicine cabinet full of assorted pills and syrups we keep around for emergencies. These medications come with an expiry date which is supposed to keep us safe and healthy. Unfortunately, it’s not always clear what to do when we realize our medication is past its expiration date, and many people wonder if they can still safely take it. In this article, we will explore the issue in-depth and help you understand the risks, benefits, and precautions regarding expired medication.
The Risks and Benefits of Taking Expired Medications
The risks associated with taking expired medication include reduced efficacy, toxicity and bacterial contamination. Each medication has a specific shelf life, and after that point, the chemical composition of the medication begins to break down, affecting its effectiveness. Also, expired medication increases the risk of toxicity as certain medications can become toxic after their expiration date. Similarly, bacterial contamination becomes more likely over time. On the other hand, taking certain expired medications may not cause harm while providing mild relief or no relief at all.
What Happens If You Take Expired Medications?
When you take expired medication, it can lead to potential harm. The specific risk depends on the medication, dosage and other individual factors. Expired medication can produce unwanted side effects, reduced effectiveness resulting in the need for higher dosage and in some cases, disease. Untoward effects include uneven bleeding while taking birth control pills. Certain medication such as antibiotics may produce resistance in bacteria, making it difficult to treat the infection later.
Some medications can become more dangerous after they expire. For example, the pain-relieving medication, aspirin, can break down into a potentially harmful substance known as salicylic acid. Therefore, it’s important to be cautious when taking expired medication.
5 Medications You Should Never Take Past the Expiry Date
There are certain medications that one should never take past their expiry date. Below are five of the most commonly used medications and how they can affect the body:
- Nitroglycerin: This medication is used to treat chest pain, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. Once the expiry date passes, nitroglycerin may become less effective, leading to chest pain that can result in an emergency.
- EpiPen: EpiPen is used to treat anaphylaxis caused by insect bites or certain foods. If an expired EpiPen is used during an allergic reaction, it may not provide the relief needed in time, and this can lead to life-threatening consequences.
- Insulin: Insulin is a blood sugar-controlling medication for those with diabetes. Once insulin expires, it can become less effective, leading to fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which is a serious health concern.
- Tetracycline: This antibiotic can become toxic after its expiration date passes and lead to kidney damage in extreme cases.
- Warfarin: Warfarin is used to prevent blood clots. An expired dose can lead to potential clotting, which can have fatal consequences.
No matter how necessary a drug may seem, it’s best to discard these medications when they expire.
A Guide to Safely Using Expired Medications
If you have no other option but to use expired medication, it’s important to proceed with caution by taking the following steps:
- Check if the expired drug is a potent drug or a vital drug if the former, it’s best to avoid taking it entirely.
- Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using expired medication as they can advise on any potential risks and alternative options.
- Discard the medication if it has a foul odor or taste, or if it appears visibly different than when purchased.
When to Toss Expired Medications and How to Do So Safely
It’s recommended to discard all expired medication. However, it’s essential to dispose of the medication safely, avoiding environmental impact and the resurgence of its use by another individual. The first thing to do when discarding medication is to check the disposal recommendations of the specific medication. If there are no recommendations, one can mix the medicine with an unpalatable substance such as cat litter, coffee grinds, or sawdust and then secure the mixture in a plastic bag, making sure to mark the bag as “medicine.” This mixture can then be discarded in regular trash.
The Science of Medication Expiration Dates: Are They Accurate?
The expiration date of a medication is determined based on rigorous testing protocol called stability testing. The medications are stored in different environments, humidity and other conditions, and the chemical composition of the medication is periodically checked. If the medication is stable for a specific time, then that time is set as the expiration date. However, other factors such as exposure to light, humidity, and heat can affect the medication’s stability, potentially reducing its shelf life.
How to Store Medications Properly to Prolong Their Shelf Life
Proper storage of medication can significantly prolong its shelf life. Below are a few essential tips to consider when storing medication:
- Keep the medication in the original container with the label intact.
- Store medications in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight.
- Store medication in an out-of-reach location to prevent it from being tampered with or accidentally ingested by children or pets.
Conclusion
Overall, it’s essential to handle expired medications with utmost caution, and in some cases, it’s best to discard them entirely. The benefits of keeping expired medication no longer outweigh the potential risks. Therefore, patients should always be aware of their medicines’ expiration dates, store them properly, discard them safely, and seek advice from their healthcare provider when considering taking expired medication.
