By Frank E. Goldman, PharmD.
Think of expiration dates, which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires be placed on prescription and over-the-counter medications, as a conservative guide to longevity.
Expiration dates are a guarantee from the manufacturer that a medication will remain chemically stable — and thus maintain its full potency and safety prior to that date. Most medications, though, retain their potency beyond the expiration date.
In a study conducted by the FDA on a large stockpile of medications purchased by the military, 90% of more than 100 medications were safe and effective to use years after the expiration date. Drugs in the FDA study, however, were stored under ideal conditions – not in a bathroom medicine cabinet, where heat and humidity can cause drugs to degrade.
If your medications have been stored under good conditions, they can retain all or much of their potency for at least one year following their expiration date – even after the container is opened.
But you should discard any pills that have become discolored, turned powdery or emit a strong odor. Any liquids that appear cloudy or filmy; or any tubes of cream that are hardened or cracked should be tossed out as well.
To maintain potency, store your medications in a closet or cabinet located in a cool, dry room. Also, don’t mix medications in one container: chemicals from different medications can interact to interfere with potency or cause harmful side effects.
If two or more medications have mingled for any period of time, discard them.
A few medications, such as insulin and some liquid antibiotics, can and do degrade quickly and should be used by the expiration date.
Also, consider replacing any outdated medications that you’re taking for a serious health problem, since its potency is more critical than that of an over-the-counter drug you take for a headache or hay fever.
If in doubt, throw it out.
Have a question about medication? Reach Dr. Goldman during business hours by calling 410 968-1200 (X-3490).