What happens if you take expired medication: Risks, side effects, and safe disposal | – The Times of India
Expired medication may seem harmless, but taking it can pose serious health risks. Medications lose potency over time, and some may even become contaminated, particularly liquid forms like cough syrups or eye drops. Using drugs past their expiration date can reduce effectiveness, worsen symptoms, or trigger unexpected side effects, especially for chronic conditions or infections. Because the stability of medications varies, the consequences are often unpredictable. Knowing the risks, recognising possible side effects, and understanding safe disposal practices are essential for protecting your health and ensuring that every dose you take is both safe and effective.
Reduced effectiveness and contamination risks of expired medication
All medications degrade over time, meaning their chemical composition changes. Drugs taken past their expiration may not provide the intended dose, potentially leading to complications for people managing chronic illnesses or infections. The FDA advises against using expired medications, as they can be less effective or risky due to changes in chemical composition or a decrease in strength. Certain expired medications are at risk of bacterial growth, and sub-potent antibiotics can fail to treat infections, leading to more serious illnesses and antibiotic resistance.Medications, especially liquids like cough syrups and eye drops, are at higher risk of bacterial growth if they have expired. Consuming contaminated medication can lead to infections or other harmful side effects. Because each drug’s stability varies, the consequences of using expired medication are unpredictable, making it essential to check expiry dates before use.
Possible side effects of expired medication
Taking expired medications may result in unexpected reactions. While most solid medications do not become toxic immediately, some can lose potency, fail to treat the condition, or trigger mild to serious side effects. Liquid medications or those stored improperly are more likely to develop harmful bacteria. Unknown side effects may include allergic reactions, gastrointestinal issues, or exacerbation of the underlying health condition. Limited research means it is impossible to predict precisely how expired medication will affect your health, so caution is necessary.
What to do if you accidentally take expired medication
If you realise you have taken expired medication, stop taking it immediately and consult a doctor. For medications prescribed for specific conditions, your healthcare provider can advise whether you need a replacement dose or a change in treatment. Monitor for any unusual symptoms, such as rashes, dizziness, nausea, or worsening of your existing condition. If you experience severe reactions, seek medical attention promptly. Taking proactive steps ensures safety and prevents further complications.According to research published in StatPearls highlights that liquid medications, such as eye drops and cough syrups, are susceptible to bacterial growth once expired. The loss of preservatives over time can compromise the sterility of these products, increasing the risk of contamination. Consuming such contaminated medications can lead to infections or other harmful side effects.
How to safely dispose of expired medication
Proper disposal of expired medication is crucial to prevent accidental ingestion and environmental contamination. Remove personal information from packaging before discarding. Common disposal methods recommended by the FDA include:
- Drop-off at a collection site: Many pharmacies and authorised sites accept expired or unused medications. Search for your nearest location online.
- Flushing specific medications: Some drugs that could be harmful if ingested by others can be safely flushed. Check the FDA’s flush list or the drug leaflet.
- Discarding in household trash: If no other option is available, you may place the medication in a sealed container, ideally after dissolving or mixing with undesirable substances to prevent accidental use. Avoid throwing away medications listed on the FDA flush list in regular trash.
Expiration dates exist for a reason, they indicate how long a medication is safe and effective when stored correctly. Taking expired drugs may reduce potency, cause contamination, or trigger unexpected side effects. For serious health conditions, using expired medication can worsen symptoms or lead to complications. To ensure safety and effectiveness, always check expiration dates, store medications as directed, and dispose of unused drugs responsibly. When in doubt, consult a healthcare professional to make informed choices about your medication.Also Read: NASA launches IMAP mission to understand the Sun, solar wind, and interstellar particles
