klinikfarma.com Taking expired drugs has certain health risks. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has required expiration dates on prescription and over-the-counter drugs since 1979.
The Importance of Expiration Dates
The expiration date on a medicine is very important information. This information helps determine whether the medicine is safe to use and is still effective as expected. You can find the expiration date printed on the medicine label or stamped “EXP”.
Regarding this date, it is important to note that drug expiration is measured in days, not just months and years. For example, if a drug has an expiration date of January 2019, then the drug is still safe to use until January 31, 2019.
Know and adhere to the expiration dates of your medications.
Risks of Using Expired Drugs
Using medications past their expiration date carries serious risks. Expired medications can become chemically unstable, change in effectiveness, become toxic, and increase the risk of contamination.
According to FDA data as of October 9, 2023, some expired drugs are at risk of inviting bacterial growth, and weakened antibiotics may fail to treat infections.
Using expired drugs can lead to more serious illnesses and even antibiotic resistance. After the expiration date, there is no guarantee that the drug is still safe and effective, therefore, expired drugs should not be used.
Disposal of Expired Medications
How should expired medications be disposed of? The first step is to read the medication label and follow any disposal instructions that may be included. Ideally, use a medication take-back program if one is available as a safer way to dispose of expired, unused, or unwanted medications.
If a drug take-back program is not available, guidelines in the US recommend disposing of the medication by mixing it with a material such as cat litter or litter. The medication can then be placed in a sealed container.
But certain medications, which can be very dangerous if taken accidentally by children, pets, or other people, should be flushed down the toilet or sink.
Store Medicines Properly
Proper storage is key to keeping medications safe and effective until their expiration date. Be sure to read the medication label and follow any special storage instructions that may be included.
Some medications may need to be refrigerated, while others need to be kept away from heat. Improper storage may affect the effectiveness of medications that are not yet expired.
Citing the “Let’s Dispose of Drug Waste Properly” program launched by the Republic of Indonesia Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM RI) in 2019, unnecessary drugs can be returned to community pharmacy services such as pharmacies, clinics, and health centers that run a “take-back program”.
By returning drugs to health care facilities, drug destruction is carried out in accordance with regulations, so that drugs will not end up in the wrong place and endanger the public.
