Does Pantoprazole expire? 

In this brief article, we will answer whether Pantoprazole expires, as well as other considerations such as the dangers of expired Pantoprazole, what to do if you have taken this expired medication, adverse effects that Pantoprazole may cause, how to identify spoiled Pantoprazole, and how this medication should be stored. 

Like other medications, Pantoprazole has an expiration date, and its use beyond that date is not recommended. 

No one can definitively state the potential health risks associated with the use of expired Pantoprazole. 

If you have accidentally consumed expired Pantoprazole, remain vigilant for symptoms and seek medical attention if you experience any severe adverse effects.

Keep Pantoprazole in its original container in a well-ventilated area. Spoiled medications may exhibit changes in visual characteristics and have a strong odour. 

If you notice any apparent changes in the characteristics of Pantoprazole, do not take the medication.

Does Pantoprazole expire? 

Yes, Pantoprazole does expire like every other medication. 

Although some drugs may retain their effectiveness for an extended duration, beyond their expiration date (1), the use of expired medications is not recommended. 

Improper storage conditions can accelerate the degradation process of medications. Moreover, all expired drugs are bound to lose their potency sooner or later, and their safety cannot be guaranteed. 

This is why the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strongly advises against taking any expired medication.. (2). 

What are the dangers associated with the use of expired Pantoprazole? 

Although expired Pantoprazole may not pose a health risk if expired recently, it should not be taken.

There is no research data available regarding the safety and efficacy of expired Pantoprazole and no one can say for sure what potential health risks are associated with their use, not even the manufacturers. 

That’s the entire point of printing expiry dates on the packaging, as the manufacturers can’t guarantee the safety of their medications past the expiration dates (1,3). 

It’s important to consider that Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (4). It is included in the treatment regimen for a number of gastrointestinal conditions, including the relief of acid reflux caused by medications, such as Lexapro, Prozac, etc. 

Then, if Pantoprazole fails to control the release of your stomach acid, the corrosive nature of this acid will continue to damage the protective lining surrounding your stomach and it can also lead to gastrointestinal bleeding. This condition could become quite painful and dangerous. 

Pantoprazole is often combined with other proton pump inhibitors, like Omeprazole, for more pronounced acid-reducing effects. However, if the medications are not potent enough to help you with your acid reflux or are expired, you will not achieve any symptomatic relief.

What to do if you have taken expired Pantoprazole? 

In the event of accidental ingestion of expired Pantoprazole, please remain vigilant for symptoms and seek medical attention if you experience any unusual issues. As a general rule of thumb, you shouldn’t take expired medications, as you never know what side effects they might end up causing (4,5). It’s best to replace the expired Pantoprazole with a new one. 

What adverse effects may Pantoprazole cause?

Pantoprazole may be associated with the following mild and moderate adverse effects (4):

• headache
• nausea
• vomiting
• gas
• joint pain
• diarrhea
• dizziness

Adverse effects that may be serious (4):

• blistering, peeling, or bleeding skin
• sores on the lips, nose, mouth, or genitals
• swollen glands, shortness of breath, fever, or flu-like symptoms
• rash hives;
• itching
• swelling of the eyes, face, lips, mouth, throat, or tongue
• difficulty breathing or swallowing or hoarseness
• irregular, fast, or pounding heartbeat muscle spasms 
• uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
• excessive tiredness, lightheadedness, dizziness or seizures
• severe diarrhea with watery stools, stomach pain, or fever that does not go away
• new or worsening joint pain;
• rash on cheeks or arms that is sensitive to sunlight
• increased or decreased urination and blood in the urine

How to identify spoiled Pantoprazole?

Some characteristics can indicate that a medication is spoiled, such as (5,6):

• packaging integrity: If a package is open or tampered with, with the medication exposed to the environment, there is a high chance of medication deterioration
• visible signs of deterioration: Discoloration, damage caused by moisture, damage caused by fungi or bacteria, or any other apparent modification of the medication.
• strong and unusual odour.

How should Pantoprazole be properly stored?

Please ensure that you store this medication in its original container, tightly closed, and keep it at room temperature, away from excessive heat and moisture (avoid storing it in the bathroom). 

It is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and reach of children, as certain containers may not be child-resistant (4). 

Conclusion

In this brief article, we have answered if Pantoprazole expires, as well as other considerations such as the dangers of expired Pantoprazole, what to do if you have taken this expired medication, adverse effects that Pantoprazole may cause, how to identify spoiled Pantoprazole, and how this medication should be stored. 

References