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•Outdated drugs may be effective.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