Drug Expiration Date Facts- Clinic Story of the Month

Health providers are often asked if drugs can be used past their expiration date.

HERE’S A SUMMARY OF THE MOST RECENT FACTS:

•Outdated drugs may be effective.

• The strength of the drug past its expiration date varies with the drug, the

lot, the additives (if any), and the storage conditions, especially heat and

humidity.

• Many meds in pill or capsule form and stored under reasonable conditions

in the original unopened containers retain more than 90% of their potency

for at least 5 years after the expiration date on the label, and sometimes

much longer.

• Liquids are less stable. Eye drops may lose the ability to prevent bacterial

growth after expiration.

• Do not use liquid medications that become cloudy, discolored or contain

particles.

• There are no reports of human health problems with the use of

currently available drugs when used after the expiration date.

• Epinephrine solutions in EpiPen auto-injectors may lose potency after the

expiration date and should be replaced upon expiration.

 

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week- January 25-31,2016