Given the cost of medicines, especially in the Asian and African regions, people often tend to disregard the date of expiry and are often seen consuming expired medicines. But is there any health impact associated with consumption of expired medicines? And why do medicines have a date of expiry?
Here’s a quick look at the reason behind an expiry date, impact on health, how to dispose of expired medicines and other aspects.
Why do medicines have expiry dates
Medicines have expiry dates to indicate their recommended usage period. Beyond these dates, they may lose their safety and effectiveness. It is crucial to refrain from consuming medications that have expired. Prior to using a medicine that has been in your possession for an extended period, always verify its expiry date.
In India, the regulation of medicines falls under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Rules, 1945. These legislations are responsible for ensuring that expiration dates are clearly marked on all medicines.
Each medicine is required to display a potency expiration date. This specific date, which is indicated on the medicine’s container, label or wrapper, serves to inform consumers about the maximum period during which the medicine will maintain its effectiveness when stored.
Risks associated with expired medicines
Expired medications can pose potential risks. The storage conditions of the medicine also play a crucial role. It is imperative to ensure that medicines are stored in a cool and dry environment as they are more likely to maintain their efficacy compared to those stored in hot and humid locations.
Unused and expired medicines pose a risk as potentially harmful substances which must be handled properly to prevent environmental dangers. The lack of clear guidelines in India on how to dispose of unused, unwanted and expired drugs raises worries about the risks of accidental poisoning and environmental harm.
It is crucial to obtain a new prescription before the current one expires and ensure timely refills for medications that are necessary to manage chronic and life-threatening conditions such as heart diseases, cancer treatment, seizures, or severe allergies.
What happens when we take expired medicines
- A biologic product has the potential to cause significant issues if it has reached its expiration date.
- Insulin, when expired, can present serious concern and should not be used.
- Any refrigerated liquid or other medicine that has expired can pose significant problems and should be discarded.
- Eye drops that have passed their expiration date may potentially create serious complications and should not be used.
- Injectable medicines, if expired, can lead to severe issues and should be immediately replaced.
- A specially compounded medication, if expired, may potentially cause serious problem and should not be utilised.
- Any drug that appears degraded or cloudy, or emits a noxious smell, should be promptly discarded and replaced. It is crucial not to use such medications.
Effects of taking expired medicines
Consuming expired medicines can lead to a decline in effectiveness, strength and safety, resulting in the creation of substances that present health hazards. The final consequences of expired medications may encompass antibiotic resistance, inadequate therapeutic outcomes and potential carcinogenic impacts.
Furthermore, expired medications can contribute to unintentional poisoning, substance abuse, the inefficient utilization of healthcare provisions and missed chances for medical intervention.
Should you consume medicines that have passed their expiry date
The answer is no. Take them to your pharmacist for proper disposal. It is essential to avoid throwing away unused or expired medicines in the garbage or flushing them down the toilet.
Why is flushing down medicines unsafe
Disposing of drugs by flushing them down the toilet leads to contamination of the water supply. Although water treatment removes some impurities, it does not eliminate drugs. Consequently, these substances end up in both water and soil, posing a threat to the environment. Since our drinking and household water are interconnected with this ecosystem, it is crucial to properly dispose of medications to prevent further harm.
A list of medicines recommended for disposal by the FDA is available on their website. Before flushing it down, check if it at all can be flushed.
When should you dispose of medicines
- In case your health has shown improvement and your healthcare provider has recommended discontinuing medication or if you have surplus medication beyond your current needs.
- If your prescription has been altered by your healthcare provider but you still possess remaining medicines from the previous prescription.
- If you have medicines belonging to someone who has passed away or is unable to use them.
- Lastly, if your medicine has exceeded its expiry date.
How to dispose of medicines
It is advisable to transfer the medicines from their original packaging and combine them with an undesirable substance, such as used coffee grounds or dirt. This will not only make the medicine less attractive to children, pets and anyone searching for drugs in the trash, but also render it unidentifiable.
Afterwards, ensure to place this mixture in a sealable container, such as a resealable zipper storage bag, an empty can or any other suitable container, to prevent any leakage or spillage. Finally, dispose of the container in the garbage.
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