Expired And Old Medication: Can You Still Take Them?

Expired And Old Medication: Can You Still Take Them?

Expired and old medication should not be overlooked as they can pose serious risks. While medicines are highly beneficial to humans, they can also be dangerous if used incorrectly or inappropriately. One common problem is the issue of deteriorated medication quality. Many people keep unused medications at home, including those received from hospitals, pharmacies, or clinics, and may use them when they fall ill. However, the risk lies in the fact that all medications have an expiration date, meaning they lose their effectiveness over time. Taking expired or degraded medication unknowingly can render the treatment ineffective, or worse, lead to severe consequences such as kidney failure, nephritis, or drug resistance.

 

Changes in the external appearance of medicine can indicate its deterioration, which can be easily noticed. However, changes in the internal structure of the medicine cannot be seen with the naked eye. One way to verify its effectiveness is to check the manufacture and expiration dates on the medicine label as follows:

 

1. The manufacture date is indicated by the terms "Manu. Date" or "Mfg. Date," followed by the day-month-year of production.
2. The expiration date is indicated by the terms "Expiry Date," "Exp. Date," "Exp.," "Used before," "Expiring," or "Used by," followed by the day-month-year of expiration. In cases where only the month and year are specified, the last day of that month should be considered as the expiration date. For example, "Exp. 08/60" means the medicine expires on the last day of August 2060.

 

In cases where the expiration date is not specified for some medications and only the manufacturing date is provided, general criteria state that unopened liquid medications can be stored for up to 3 years from the manufacturing date. However, if liquid medications have been opened and are properly stored, they can be used for approximately 3 months. For pills, they can be stored for up to 5 years from the manufacturing date. However, if pills have been divided and put into a ziplock bag, their expiration date will be calculated from the date they were separated and will not exceed the actual expiration date indicated on the medication label. Additionally, another way to check for expired or degraded medication is to observe their physical characteristics, such as:

 

1. Capsule-shaped pills that have swelled, discolored powder inside, or clumped together. The capsule shell may have mold growing on it or may have changed color. For example, Tetracycline, whose powder has changed from yellow to brown, should be discarded immediately because it can cause kidney damage if taken.
2. Pills that have changed color, have spots or mold growing on them, or are easily crumbled into powder. Pills that are soft and can break apart easily when lightly squeezed should also be discarded. Additionally, if the physical characteristics of the medication (color, odor, taste) change when it is stored in opened packaging from the manufacturer, it is an indication of the medication's instability and should not be used.
3. Sugar-coated pills, which have a glossy appearance (such as multivitamins). These pills usually have a sweet or fruity smell and taste, and they may look sticky and shiny.
4. Suspension liquid medications, such as antacids, that settle and have a powdery substance at the bottom of the container. The liquid may have changed color or consistency.

 

5. Powdered medication should not show any signs of deterioration such as discoloration, clumping, or a foul odor. If the powder looks or smells different from when you first purchased it, it may be expired.

 

Some general tips regarding medicine storage:

 

Medications should be stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and moisture. If the medication has been exposed to high temperatures, humidity or direct sunlight, it may have deteriorated and could be expired.

 

Overall, if you are unsure about the expiration date or condition of the medication, you can always consult a pharmacist. They can help you determine if the medication is still safe to use and provide guidance on proper storage and disposal.