But it’s the medication’s manufacturer that sets an initial expiration date. Since 1979, the FDA has required expiration dates on prescription and OTC medications to improve medication safety. What are expiration dates, and why are they important to pay attention to?Ī medication’s expiration date is defined as “the final day that the manufacturer guarantees the full potency and safety of a medication.” But this doesn’t mean you should take any medications after their expiration date. For some medications - like blood thinners used for blood clots - less effectiveness can lead to serious health complications.Īs a general rule, solid medications, like tablets, are more stable than liquids after their expiration date has passed. But the FDA clearly states you shouldn’t use expired medications because of potential risks. Some people believe that medications are still effective after their expiration date. But even if expired medications aren’t dangerous, you might want to think twice before taking them. As we’ll discuss below, only tetracycline (an antibiotic) is known to be harmful after it expires. It’s unlikely that a medication will harm you if you take it after its expiration date. Is my medication still safe to take past the expiration date? Always consult with your healthcare provider before taking something that has expired. Generally, it’s a good idea to avoid taking any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications after their printed expiration date. So what do you do with them? While some medications simply won’t work as well after expiring, others can be dangerous to take. When was the last time you looked through your medicine cabinet? If it’s been more than a few months, you may find expired medications.
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