Some expired medicines should no longer be used because they may be dangerous to your health.
Antibiotics, syrups, tablets… The medicine cabinet is often overflowing with medications that have expired. Which ones can we still take? Advice from Magalie Le Bihan, pharmacist.
What does the expiration date on a medicine mean?
When the manufacturer of a drug files its application for marketing, it is obliged to carry out stability studies, the conditions of which are set by very precise rules from European guidelines. The expiry period is set according to the results of these stability studies. This means that “the product will retain its therapeutic properties (i.e. the same effectiveness) and organoleptic properties (i.e. the same color and appearance) until the expiry date. Provided that the product has been stored under the conditions recommended by the manufacturer (good temperature, protected from light, heat, humidity, in the fridge..)”, specifies Magalie Le Bihan. Generally speaking, a medicine is effective between 2 and 5 years, as long as it is properly stored. The expiry date is clearly indicated on the box of the medicine and sometimes also on the back of the blister pack or even on all the medicines present in the unit.
How long can you keep a medicine after opening?
Type of medication | Shelf life after opening (in the absence of any details on the boxes or leaflets of medicines) |
---|---|
Preservative-free creams and ointments | 1 week |
Creams and ointments with preservative | 2 months |
Eye drops | Use immediately or 1 week |
Syrups without preservatives | 2 weeks |
Syrups with preservative | 2 months |
Nasal sprays | Immediate use |
Injectables | Immediate use for most or 24 to 48 hours |
Sources: Vidal
What medicines should not be used after the expiration date?
Medicines that should not be consumed after the expiry date are:
- eye drops (liquid medicines that are applied to the eye),
- syrups,
- injectables,
- medicines that are applied to the skin such as ointments, gels or creams,
- reconstituted medicines such as oral solutions for children and infants,
- preservative-free medicines,
- contraceptives (pill, patch, etc.),
- treatments for high blood pressure.
“After the expiration date, the risks of microbial proliferation and infection are particularly high for these products. This is why they should absolutely not be used after their expiration date.“, warns the specialist. To avoid the development of bacteria and fungi, it is advisable not to store these medications in the bathroom – where it is hot and humid – but rather in a dry and cool place. Some medications must even be stored in the refrigerator: if this is the case, this is mentioned in the instructions. In addition, expired contraception is associated with an increased risk of pregnancy. If in doubt, ask your pharmacist for advice.
What are the most fragile drugs?
Liquid solutions, sachets and eye drops generally deteriorate more quickly than solid forms. However, “No expired medication can be considered “risk-free”. Even if in absolute terms, it would not be dangerous to consume tablets and capsules after the expiry date, only if it is for minor ailments (not for serious illnesses) and provided that they have been stored in good conditionsinsists Magalie Le Bihan. The risk would then be a loss of efficacy linked to a reduction in the quantity of active substance.“. But since some molecules degrade more quickly than others, as a precaution, it is advisable to respect the expiry date of all medications and not to use them if they have expired.
What are the risks of taking expired medication?
- risks of microbial proliferation in drugs
- risk of infection in medicines
- risk of pregnancy with expired contraception
- loss of efficiency
Can we return them all to the pharmacy?
Expired medications must be returned to a pharmacy participating in the Cyclamed collection.This applies to expired medications, but also to all medications such as antibiotics, which should be returned as soon as the treatment has ended, in order to avoid accumulation at home which could subsequently lead to medication errors or poisoning if there are children in the family.“, our interlocutor is keen to point out. Very regularly, children suffer serious poisonings because of medications that are within their reach.”Thrown into the trash, sink or toilet, medicines can pollute soil and rivers because they contain active ingredients“, she specifies. Furthermore, under no circumstances should they be left in front of the pharmacy door. Finally, there is no need to bring back the boxes: you can throw everything that is cardboard and instructions in your yellow bin. The following cannot be collected in pharmacies: needles, used syringes, food supplements, medical devices, chemical products, veterinary products, cosmetics, glasses, prostheses, thermometers and X-rays.