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What happens if you take expired medication? Learn more about this topic below.
Do you know that over 130 million Americans use at least one prescription drug? We all have medication lying around the house that is unused, well past its expiration date. Not sure particularly why but using expired medication has always been a topic of debate. Many people wonder; does expiration date mean anything? Should people throw away the meds that are past their expiration date or is it safe to use them?
The main reason behind this debate is the cost of medication which can truly add up over time. In this article, we are going to dive deep into the subject and see what happens if you take expired medication. Without further ado, let’s get going:
First, Does Medicine Expire?
Similar to food, medication needs to have an expiration date on the packaging by the law. However, the expiration date doesn’t necessarily translate into your medication getting expired. With that being said, there are exceptions as certain medications change in storage which impacts the efficacy. While there are certain medications that are completely safe to use a few months past the expiration date, it is not recommended due to temperature and storage conditions.
Discarding Prescriptions
Pharmacists do not recommend using a certain medication past the expiration date. Using unused and expired drugs can lead to misuse and abuse. With 18 million cases, the practice is growing at a rapid rate. Make sure to read the label as the provider utilizes specific disposal instructions.
Moreover, the best way to safely dispose of expired and unused medication is via a local drug take-back site. If you don’t have one near you, make sure to flush the medication at the garbage disposal. Another great option is to mix it with dirt/coffee grounds and toss the pills in the garbage. You can protect others from disposing of all the pain-relieving medications.
Storing Medication
The correct storage of medicine is very important in extending the drug’s potency. Make sure to store it in a cool and dry place. Medicine chest and kitchen cabinets are the right options. Do not keep them in damp and moist spaces. Protect the medication from direct heat and sunlight. In some cases, you will be required to store the medication in a refrigerator (if that’s the case, you will be informed). More importantly, keep the medication out of the children’s reach.
Toss the Expired Medication When You Are in Doubt
There is an expiration date on your medication for a reason. There are many cases when expired medication can be unsafe or not effective. It can pose a serious threat to your health. Health is very important to be neglected. It is always advised to purchase fresh medication if your previous ones have expired. Follow all the disposal instructions, given by the recommendations of the pharmacist in the name of health and safety.
Safety Issues of Expired Drugs
Over time, the chemical and physical elements of medication can change drastically. It can lead to plenty of safety issues. Look out for physical signs of change such as discoloration, and changed smell. Using an expired medication can lead to many health hazards.
Some of them are listed below:
Abuse
In the United States, prescription drug abuse is at an all-time high. Keeping unused/expired medications such as Xanax can lead to drug abuse. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration warns against abused prescription drugs. They can lead to accidental overdoses and addiction.
In addition to this, there is always an increased likelihood of children or pets taking the drugs down, leading to serious health problems and even death.
Taking Expired Anti-Anxiety Pills
One of the most commonly used expired drugs is Xanax. This is an anti-anxiety medication that people sell or give to their family members or friends. If the medication is expired, it can lead to a variety of problems. Moreover, taking Xanax without a prescription is counted as drug abuse. It is not a risk worth taking.
Stomach Damage
There are times when taking expired medication can severely damage your digestion and stomach. It can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and heartburn. Moreover, it can cause severe stomach damage in case of children and older adults.
Reduced Efficacy
Efficacy is an important factor to consider when taking medication because it essentially affects the ability of the drug to produce the desired effect. Expired Medication fails to treat all the minor and major conditions; ranging from headache, common cold to diabetes, heart disease, and blood pressure. As a result, you might end up in the hospital especially if you are dealing with chronic illnesses.
Summing Up
Ultimately, taking expired pills in any way shape or form is a risky business. On one hand, it can pose a serious threat to your health. It can also lead to drug abuse especially in the case of medications related to mental health. Hence, it is very important to dispose of the medication right away. Not only, you are protecting yourself from the damage, you are also helping prevent potential abuse of the drug by other people around you.
If you or anyone around you has accidentally taken an expired medication, it is advised to immediately connect with your nearest healthcare provider to prevent any serious problems.
If you still have any questions about medication use or would like to know more about compounding, feel free to reach out to our team. We would be more than happy to help you out.
Medical Disclaimer
Burts Rx aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with any physical or mental conditions. We believe that every patient has unique needs and that is where compounding comes in. We have licensed compounding pharmacists on board that work together with your doctor to devise a perfect solution for you.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes and is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment, and diagnosis. Do not use it in place of the advice of your physician or other healthcare providers.