The risks of taking expired medications

Posted on wellness

Medicines are very expensive for many people. That is why many ask themselves the question: Can I still take medications once they have reached their expiration date?

First, let's clarify what an expiration date means:

All drugs have their own composition and consist of active and inactive ingredients to treat specific diseases.

When a drug was developed, the manufacturer determines the shelf life of this medication. The expiration date is the day until which the manufacturer can guarantee the full effectiveness and safety of the medication.

In this context, it is important to take a closer look at the effectiveness of a drug, as this is essential to achieve the desired effect. High effectiveness therefore results in better results. Expired drugs can therefore no longer adequately combat both harmless illnesses (e.g. mild headaches, colds) and more serious illnesses (e.g. diabetes or heart disease) due to reduced effectiveness.

A poorly treated illness can eventually lead to more sick days, longer absences at work/school, and reduced productivity at work/school. Safety is another very important aspect. The chemical and physical properties of drugs may change after the expiration date. One example of this is tablets/drugs that dissolve or change color.

Proper storage ensuresthat the medication remains safe and effective until the expiration date. Special storage requirements are provided by the manufacturer or the seller.

Improper storage — e.g. in a humid climate in the bathroom — can reduce the effectiveness of the medication even before the expiration date. It is best to store most medicines in cool, dry places.

If you store medicines in the kitchen cupboard, you should make sure that neither hot appliances nor the sink are close to the medication, as changing temperatures and humidity can affect the effectiveness of the medication. You should also ensure that medicines are kept out of the reach of children to avoid accidents such as poisoning.

As you can see, there are two major aspects to consider when it comes to expired drugs: The effectiveness decreases and they may even be harmful. That is why you should throw away expired medications. Why take a risk?

How to dispose of expired medications

Check the expiration dates on the packs regularly and ask your pharmacist for a special waste container for the expired medication. Simply flushing it down the toilet is not a solution, as it contaminates the drinking water system.

Posted on wellness