Do Drugs Really Expire? Medication Expiry Dates Should not be Ignored
Q. Do drugs really expire? Isn't this just a marketing ploy to sell more drugs?
A. While it may be true that expiry dates help to sell more drugs for manufacturers and pharmacies, they also serve an important purpose. Countries like Canada and the United States mandate that expiry dates are included on all medications. At the time of the medication expiry date, the drug must be at least 90% of the original potency under proper storage conditions.
So if, for example, the expiry date on your Tylenol is October 31, 2007, your medication should be at least 90% as strong as the dose indicates on the label on this date.
Using a medication after the expiry date could mean that your medication may be not as strong (do NOT try to increase the dose to make up for this), or it may change in its composition (this is very rare, but very dangerous as it could lead to serious side effects).
Where you keep your medication is also an important factor and will alter the expiry of the drug. Improper storage can shorten the expiry date of the medication. For most medications, storing in a cool, dry, dark place (nightstand drawer, bedroom closet) will maximize the lifespan of your medication. This means that the bathroom medicine cabinet may not be the best place to put your stash of drugs!
Having said all this, some medications can probably be used after the expiry date, but may not supported by the manufacturer if anything goes wrong. Medications where the dose does not need to be 100% of what is quoted on the label (pain relievers, laxatives) can probably be safely used for a few months after the expiry date if stored properly. But, given that these medications are often inexpensive, and easily obtained, it is recommended that you purchase a new product. However, with critical medications such as antibiotics, seizure medications, heart medications, the expiry date should definitely be heeded.
Note that eye drops and eye ointments should not be used beyond 4 weeks after opening, regardless of the expiry date. These products can become contaminated and lead to eye infections, so even the label expiry date is often too long!
For more information about your medication expiry dates... Ask Your Pharmacist!
