The Truth About Drug Expiration Dates – Part II

We previously discussed how the concept of an expiration date, as it relates to medications, is a misnomer.

Research shows that many drugs retain their usefulness (i.e., potency) long past the date printed on their packaging. Clinical and personal experience corroborates that conclusion.

The practical question then becomes: Is it safe to take drugs that have expired?


What the Medical Literature Says

There is not a single reported incident of someone harmed by taking expired medications in the medical literature. This suggests it is safe to do so.


Risk of Toxicity of Expired Drugs

A drug’s effectiveness is related to its potency – the capacity to produce its intended effect. For most drugs, loss of potency is a bigger consideration than potential toxic metabolites that could result from improper storage or degradation over time.

But the fact an “expired” drug is safe doesn’t necessarily mean it should be used.


Some Expired Drugs Lose Their Usefulness 

Some medications suffer a significant loss of potency over time.  Examples include insulin, the asthma inhalant albuterol, liquid antibiotics, and the spray form of the antihistamine diphenhydramine. Drugs with a short shelf life are essentially unusable past their “expiration date.”

Keep in mind, some drugs whose potency is below established effective levels might still prove useful in emergencies. That “expired” albuterol would be preferable to taking nothing during a sudden asthma attack. What little effect it might have might buy you some time and prove to be the difference between life and death!


FDA Advice on Expired Drugs

Presently, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) discourages use of expired drugs. This despite their being fully aware most “expired” drugs remain effective and safe for decades.

The FDA points out that certain expired medications can be susceptible to bacterial growth, or might not be potent enough to properly fight infections, exacerbating illnesses. Those are valid concerns – but represent special cases.

Some of the rationale for the FDA’s position has more to do with public health strategies than the drugs themselves. Old medications in a medicine cabinet may pose a risk for abuse, for children, and pets. But that has nothing to do with the drugs’ usefulness and safety.


The Bottom Line – To Use or Not to Use?

It would be unwise to categorically state that taking ANY “expired” drug will be safe AND effective. But the strong scientific evidence is hard to dismiss.

When it comes to over-the-counter medications, chances are you won’t turn into a mutant or grow an extra limb by taking two pills that have “expired.”

“Expired” prescription drugs are no different. A sensible rule of thumb is “If you need to be absolutely certain a medication is 100% effective, buy a new bottle.

And, when in doubt, the prudent course of action is to speak with a pharmacist.

(A friendly reminder: This blog – like all blogs – represents opinions. Even educated, carefully-researched opinions should not substitute medical advice from your health care provider.)


Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash

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