How Are Medication Expiration Dates Determined?
How Medication Expiration Dates Work and When to Worry
When it comes to medication expiration dates, the FDA plays a crucial role in setting guidelines. Companies must submit stability testing data to the FDA, demonstrating the medication’s effectiveness and safety duration. After the expiration date, the manufacturer cannot guarantee the drug’s full effectiveness and safety, prompting the FDA’s advice against using expired medications.
While some medications may still be usable a few months after their expiration, it’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Compressed dry powder forms, like tablets and capsules, may have a longer usable period, but risks increase the further past the expiration date. For liquid medications and those containing aspirin, adhering to the expiration date is crucial, as they may harbor bacteria or break down over time.
The storage conditions also influence a drug’s stability. Medications exposed to sunlight, heat, or moisture may expire faster. Factors like age, health conditions, and storage methods should be considered, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children or older individuals.
To assess whether an expired medication is safe, observe its physical characteristics. If it appears crumbly, discolored, or irregular, it’s safer to discard it. Ultimately, while some medications may still offer partial effectiveness after the expiration date, caution is advised, and adherence to expiration guidelines is recommended, especially for critical medications like those used for cold and flu symptoms.
Clearing Out Your Cold and Flu Medicine Stash
Before considering expired cold and flu medications, the advisable course is to seek new medication promptly, according to Garling-Nañez. Utilizing same-day delivery services or seeking assistance from friends or family members can facilitate this process.
If the medication has recently expired, particularly within the last couple of months, there’s a likelihood that it may still retain some effectiveness, as indicated by Curtis. However, opting to use recently expired medication involves a degree of risk.
Prevention becomes crucial in steering clear of the decision to use expired medications. Garling-Nañez suggests dedicating around 20 minutes to review all medications, paying special attention to expiration dates.
Disposing of expired medications is a necessary step, and the procedure varies by state, notes Curtis. Interested individuals can find drug take-back locations through an FDA website.
In cases where drug take-back is unavailable, proper disposal involves mixing expired drugs with substances unappealing to animals and humans, such as coffee grounds or kitty litter, before discarding them in the regular trash. This precautionary measure aims to prevent accidental ingestion and potential contamination of water sources.
Being Ready for the Cold and Flu Season
Ensuring preparedness for the cold and flu season involves not only discarding expired medications but also replenishing essential medicines to promote overall health. It is vital to have access to medications that not only fall within the specified expiration date but also effectively alleviate symptoms.
According to Curtis, everyone should have either Tylenol or Advil products, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, on hand in case of fever. Additionally, nasal saline, available over the counter, can assist in maintaining nasal cleanliness. Curtis recommends keeping a cough suppressant, decongestant, or antihistamine for addressing a runny nose.
Garling-Nañez emphasizes the importance of identifying preferred remedies that have proven effective in the past and ensuring they are up-to-date. Beyond over-the-counter medications, various strategies can enhance preparedness for the cold and flu season.
Curtis highlights the significance of maintaining hand hygiene by regularly using hand sanitizer, especially when entering or leaving public places. Simple measures like staying home when sick and getting vaccinated against respiratory viruses contribute to effective prevention of seasonal illnesses.