It is common for families to have some basic medicines on hand. However, because medicines are not used as frequently as food, many eventually expire because they have little left over or are not used in a timely manner. Many people lack the necessary understanding of the handling and potential hazards of these expired medicines.
It is important to emphasize that once a drug has passed its expiration date, its chemical composition may change, which can transform it into a low-quality product. Not only does this mean that they do not provide the desired therapeutic effect, but they can also produce harmful substances. These changes increase the potential toxicity and side effects of medicines, which can directly affect human health if taken.
Most medicines gradually lose their effectiveness after they expire. Therefore, we should take decisive measures to clean up these expired medicines. Proper disposal of expired medicines not only helps protect the health of family members, but is also a sign of environmental responsibility. Therefore, it is crucial to raise public awareness of how to dispose of expired medicines.
Why is it not advisable to take expired pills?
According to the China Family Drug Shelf Life Management Report, more than 80% of Chinese families lack the Xi of regularly checking their home medicine cabinets. This phenomenon results in the production of approximately 15,000 tonnes of expired medicines per year. Unlike everyday consumables such as food, medicines usually have a shorter expiration date and are used less frequently, so they should not be stored for long periods of time.
The key to the availability of expired medicines is their efficacy and safety. Expired drug products may have a lower active ingredient, which may not only lead to a lack of effective remission of the disease, but may also increase the risk of producing toxic ingredients and thus increasing the risk of adverse reactions. For example, expired antibiotics may lead to bacterial resistance, sulfonamides and penicillins may cause allergies and even shock after they expire, and traditional Chinese medicines, especially granules and honey pills, may become undetectable to the naked eye when stored under certain conditions for a long time.
Zhao Ning, deputy chief pharmacist of the Department of Pharmacy at Peking University First Hospital, stressed in an interview with state television that medicines should be avoided even if they are only one day expiry. Regardless of whether there is a change in the appearance of the drug, once the expiration date has passed, these expired drugs must be properly disposed of. He advises that for the sake of safety, people should not risk using expired medicines to minimise the potential risks.
In addition, Chinese herbal medicines also have their expiration date. Although the composition of the herb may not change, the number of microorganisms may change, and these changes are difficult to identify with the naked eye. In addition, there is a common misconception that needs to be clarified: even if the drug is within its expiration date, if it is not stored properly, it can lead to the deterioration of the drug. As a result, even within the "shelf life", the drug can become ineffective due to improper storage.
How to tell if a drug is out of date
There are a few key recommendations to note when it comes to proper handling and storage of opened medicines. First of all, the medicine should be used up as soon as possible after using it. If it must be stored for a long time, it is recommended to mark the opening date on the package so that it can be easily determined whether it has expired for subsequent use. Pharmaceutical products are susceptible to external factors such as light, temperature, humidity and microorganisms, which may cause the drug to become less potent or deteriorate. Therefore, the medicine should be stored in a cool, dry environment and avoid placing it in a humid place, such as a bathroom or kitchen.
In order to determine whether a drug has deteriorated, the following methods can be taken:
Observe the color change: suitable for all types of pharmaceutical products. For example, if a white tablet turns yellow, black, red or has mildew, it usually means that the medicine is no longer fit to be taken.
Check the icing and capsules: Cracked or spotted outer layers of sugar-coated tablets may mean they are ineffective. Capsules should also be avoided if they are softened, cracked or leaking.
Smell: Medicines with an odor, such as expired aspirin, which can produce a strong sour taste, should be discarded.
Tactile examination: If the drug adheres to each other, it may no longer be suitable for use.
Check for suspensions or liquid medicines: precipitation, crystallization, or cloudiness may indicate that the drug product may have deteriorated.
It is important to check the condition of the drug regularly, even if it is still within its shelf life, to ensure that it is safe and effective to use.