Does Medicine Expire?
Yes, all medicines have expiration dates. Most remain effective and safe well beyond these dates, but potency may decline. Some medications, like liquid antibiotics, insulin, and nitroglycerin, are more critical to replace on time. When in doubt, consult a pharmacist rather than taking expired critical medications.
Key Takeaways
- Expiration dates indicate the last date manufacturers guarantee full potency and safety based on stability testing.
- Tetracycline was once thought to become toxic when expired, but this is now disputed.
- Liquid medications and eye drops typically should not be used after expiration.
Explanation
Expiration dates indicate the last date manufacturers guarantee full potency and safety based on stability testing. The FDA requires this testing and dating. However, studies show most solid medications retain 90%+ potency for years past expiration.
Different medications have different concerns. Solid pills and tablets tend to remain stable longest. Liquids, creams, and biologics (insulin, vaccines) degrade faster. Emergency medications like EpiPens and nitroglycerin may not work when most needed if expired.
Storage conditions matter enormously. Medications stored in bathroom cabinets (humidity and heat) degrade faster than those in cool, dry, dark locations. Proper storage can extend actual effectiveness well beyond expiration.
Things to Know
- Tetracycline was once thought to become toxic when expired, but this is now disputed.
- Liquid medications and eye drops typically should not be used after expiration.
- Pharmacies cannot legally dispense expired medications, even if likely still effective.