Can you take expired medicines? (7 potential risks)

Can you take expired medicines? 

It is generally not recommended to take expired medicines (1). There’s a reason why meds have expiry dates printed on their packaging and it’s best to not use them after that (2,3). 

Yes, it is true that some medications do outlive their shelf lives but there’s no easy way to say that for sure. Even drug experts can’t tell just by looking at the medication and a number of testing procedures are required to check the drug’s potency. 

The reason why manufacturers print the expiry date is to inform the buyers that the drug has been tested to work efficiently during this time period and there is not enough data to be certain whether or not it will continue to work this way after the specified date (3). 

This is why they print the date or month until they are sure the medication will safely work. After that, there is no easy way to tell when the process of drug degradation begins and how long it takes to lose potency. 

If the drug expiry date is mentioned as a month, it generally means that the drug is good for an entire month – after which you should avoid using it.

What are the potential risks of taking expired medicines?

Taking expired medicines can pose various potential risks to your health, including: (3)

Reduced effectiveness

Expired medicines may lose their potency over time. This means they may not work as effectively as they should in treating your condition. Taking medications that have lost their efficacy can lead to inadequate symptom relief and may fail to manage your health condition properly.

Worsening of symptoms

In some cases, expired medications may not only be ineffective but could potentially worsen your symptoms. This is especially concerning for medications used to control chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or asthma, where proper management is crucial.

Development of resistant bacteria (in case of expired antibiotics)

Antibiotics are particularly sensitive to expiration dates. If you take expired antibiotics, they may not fully kill the bacteria causing your infection. This can result in the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making future infections harder to treat.

Toxicity and side effects

As medicines age, they may break down into harmful substances. Taking expired medications can expose you to these breakdown products, leading to potential side effects and toxicity. This is especially true for certain drugs that can become toxic when they degrade.

Contamination and spoilage

Improper storage of expired medicines may lead to contamination or spoilage. Expired drugs could be exposed to moisture, heat, or light, making them less safe to consume.

Unreliable dosing

The degradation of expired medicines can affect the accuracy of their dosing. You may end up taking too much or too little of the active ingredient, which can impact their effectiveness and safety.

Delayed therapeutic response

Using expired medicines may lead to delays in seeking appropriate treatment. If you rely on outdated medications and they don’t work, your health condition may worsen before you seek proper medical attention.

To ensure your safety and the effectiveness of medications, it’s essential to dispose of expired drugs properly and follow the guidelines provided by healthcare professionals. Never take expired medicines or use medications beyond their expiration date. 

What to do if you suspect that your medicine has expired? 

If you suspect that your medicine has expired, it’s essential to take immediate action to ensure your safety and well-being. First and foremost, check the expiration date on the medication packaging.

If it has indeed passed the expiration date, do not use the medicine. However, you can take medicine that expires this month. If your medicine has expired, do not use it. If your medication does not have an expiry date, please check for physical signs of degradation or look for a best-before or use-within date.

To properly dispose of the expired medicine, follow the guidelines provided by your local pharmacy or healthcare provider (4). Do not throw expired medications in the regular trash, as they may contaminate the environment or pose a risk if accidentally consumed by others (4).

If the medicine is essential for your health, or if you are unsure about its expiration status, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist. They can provide guidance on whether it’s safe to use, offer alternatives if necessary, or prescribe a fresh supply of the medication.

Remember to store your medications properly and check their expiration dates regularly. Keeping a well-organized medicine cabinet can help you stay aware of when medications are expiring, ensuring you have access to safe and effective treatments when needed. 

References