It is crucial to check the medicine expiration dates on all medications because using expired medications can be harmful. You can find expired medicines in your medicine cabinet if it has been a while since you last checked it out. So, how do you deal with them? Medicine expiration dates are put on the container or label of commercially packaged medications that are still in their original container so you will know when to utilize them by. Some medicines in your medicine cabinet may even be out of date. So, is it okay to use those medicines that have expired?
05 Facts About Medicine Expiration Dates
1. Why do Medicines Expire?
The requirement for expiration dates is based on the fact that medicines deteriorate with time and when exposed to environmental elements like heat and humidity.
Since there is no guarantee that a medicine will still be safe or effective after its expiration date, drug makers are tasked with verifying a medication’s longevity and assigning an expiration date accordingly and it is always better to not ignore the medicine expiration dates.
2. Disposing of expired medicines properly
Expired medications pose a risk not just to the person for whom they were given, but can also harm kids and animals if they are accidentally consumed. This makes proper disposal of medicines vital! It is dangerous to dispose of unwanted or expired medications in the trash so it would be better to give any expired medications to your pharmacist so they can be disposed of properly for you. Some people have a tendency to flush or throw away their unused medications. This is not a safe way of disposal, and it needs to stop since it can harm the environment and can have significant impacts on the living creatures in that environment.
3. Does the storage of the medicine affect its expiry date?
The expiration dates are relevant to the container, however, depending on the medication, expiration dates could be set for a definite period of time the following manufacture as well as throughout usage of the medicine. Always store your medications according to the label’s instructions because various packaging offers different ways of storing it.
4. Is it safe to take expired medicines?
Some people think that even after a medication’s expiration date, it still works. It might be true, but, even if taking expired prescriptions may not be harmful, you may need to give it some thought. Because of changes in chemical structure or a loss in strength, medicines that have expired may no longer be as effective or safe. Sub-potent antibiotics could perform poorly in treating infections, leading to more severe illnesses. Certain expired medicines are at danger of bacterial development. The safety and effectiveness of the medicines cannot be assured after the expiry date has passed. So it’s definitely better to not take any medicines that have expired.
5. You can store your medicines to maintain their shelf life
The duration of a medicine’s efficacy and safety is determined by its shelf life or expiration date. This only holds true if the medication is properly stored and is still stored in its original container. A medicine’s shelf life often referred to as its expiration date, is the period of time during which, when stored correctly, the medication will continue to be safe and effective. Moisture, heat, light, and air can all have an impact on a medicine’s effectiveness and safety. If a medicine is used after its expiration date, the active ingredient may be provided at a lesser dose than what is specified on the package. Also, it could result in a higher danger of contamination (for medicines like eye drops). Different medications require different ways of storing them. For instance, it may be necessary to store insulin in the refrigerator. The labels on your prescription should still be carefully read for storage directions, and our pharmacists at Ranchland Pharmacy are always ready to speak with you if you have any questions.
Before taking medication that has expired, always check with your doctor or one of our pharmacists at Ranchland Pharmacy to ensure you stay healthy. It’s best to avoid taking any medications past the printed expiration date in general. At Ranchland Pharmacy, you can consult with our pharmacists and get your medicines renewed before taking something that has expired.
To get your prescription renewed or consult with our pharmacists, contact us at Ranchland Pharmacy. Visit our website for more information about renewing prescriptions and the other services we have to offer.