One study of medications that had been stored for decades showed that most of them were still at 90 percent potency after all that time. Another comprehensive study done by an independent group called The Medical Letter looked at the safety of expired medications and found that many medications are safe and still at around 90 percent potency for at least five years after their expiration date.
However, this does not apply to liquids, which are not as stable. The Medical Letter recommends that if a liquid medication looks cloudy or discolored, smells funny or looks like it has moisture inside, it's time to get rid of it.
This also does not apply to Epi-Pens, where the epinephrine begins to break down after the expiration date. Proper storage in a cool, dry place also helps maximize the potency of medications.
They should never be stored in bathroom medicine cabinets or near heating elements or stoves. Richard Altschuler, in an article that has been endorsed and republished by Psychopharmacology Today and quoted by Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide, provides an excellent bit of advice:.
Most medications can be safely thrown away, but read the label or package instructions to see what the recommendations are for that particular medication. When you need to dispose of your expired medications another way, the U. Dealing with racing thoughts? Always feeling tired? Our guide offers strategies to help you or your loved one live better with bipolar disorder. Sign up for our newsletter and get it free. Stability of active ingredients in long-expired prescription medications.
Arch Intern Med. The Medical Letter, Inc. Drugs past their expiration date. December 7, Don't be tempted to use expired medications. Updated March 1, Your Privacy Rights. Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health , plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise , pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more.
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You might also be interested in…. Living Better, Living Longer With this Special Health Report, Living Better, Living Longer , you will learn the protective steps doctors recommend for keeping your mind and body fit for an active and rewarding life. Free Healthbeat Signup Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox! Despite the fact that some medications may be effective beyond their expiration dates, studies also conclude that the true shelf life of a medication varies by the:.
Determining whether an expired medication is still stable requires laboratory-based chemical analyses, which means you can't know how long that expired cold medicine sitting in your medicine cabinet at home will actually be effective.
That being said, some argue that the details matter when it comes to considering expired medications. The rationale being that occasionally turning to expired medications for inconvenient, uncomfortable symptoms carries less risk than relying on expired medication for a serious health condition you may have. For instance, taking an expired antihistamine to fight a bout of seasonal allergies or a pain reliever to relieve a headache may be harmless, with the worst case scenario being that the medicine just doesn't help you feel better.
On the other hand, relying on expired heart medication could lead to a dangerous and even life-threatening heart problem or complication. In this case, you should never take expired medication and call your doctor immediately when a refill is needed.
Can Expired Medication Be Harmful? So, is it safe to use that expired medication sitting in your medicine cabinet? It's time to clear up some of the confusion. Why medications have expiration dates The U. The three primary reasons the FDA strongly discourages the use of expired medications are: The chemical composition and potency of a medication can change over time.
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