Understanding Expiry Dates: Can you use a medicine just a few days past it?
Have you ever found a strip of medicine in your drawer that's just a few days past its expiration date and wondered—'Is it still safe to take?' You're not alone. Many of us face this dilemma, especially when immediate access to a fresh supply isn't possible. Expiration dates on medications are often viewed as strict cutoffs, but the truth is more nuanced.advertisementWhile some medicines may retain their potency for a short time after the expiry date, others can become ineffective or even dangerous. In this article, we explore what expiration dates mean, how storage conditions impact drug safety, and when it's necessary to avoid expired medicines. Guided by science and expert insights, we help you make informed decisions about using medications past their labelled shelf life. All you need to know from the expert Kasara, Director and CEO,Steris Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.WHAT DO THE EXPIRATION DATE REALLY MEAN?Expiration dates are guidelines set by pharmaceutical companies and must be followed legally. These dates indicate the period during which manufacturers guarantee full potency and safety, assuming ideal storage conditions. It is well-established that products tend to lose effectiveness when used beyond their expiration date.advertisement
SCIENTIFIC INSIGHTS: ARE EXPIRED DRUGS ALWAYS INEFFECTIVE?A notable example is the collaboration between the US military and the FDA, which found that a significant percentage of over 100 drugs retained their potency even 15 years after expiration, provided they were stored correctly. However, this primarily applies to solid forms like tablets and capsules.HIGH-RISK MEDICATIONS: WHEN EXPIRY MEANS DANGERLiquids, injectables, and biologics such as insulin or antibiotics carry much greater risks when expired. These types of medications are more likely to lose potency and may even promote bacterial growth.STORAGE CONDITIONS MATTERThe preservation of a drug's effectiveness depends largely on its storage conditions. Heat, humidity, and light can accelerate degradation. Hence, storing medications in bathrooms or cars is not recommended. Instead, cool and dry places, such as linen closets, are better suited for maintaining drug integrity.CASE IN POINT: EPINEPHRINE AND EMERGENCY MEDICATIONSEpinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens) exposed to fluctuating temperatures may lose their effectiveness. Yet, studies show that some retain up to 90% potency months after expiration, making them potentially useful in emergencies when no alternatives are available.THE RISK OF SUB-THERAPEUTIC DOSESSome antibiotics and pain relievers may remain effective shortly after expiration. However, there's a risk they may deliver sub-therapeutic doses—potentially leading to ineffective treatment or antibiotic resistance.advertisementMEDICATIONS THAT MUST NOT BE USED AFTER EXPIRYCertain critical medications must never be used past their expiration date. These include:Liquid antibioticsNitroglycerin (used for angina)Insulin (for diabetes)Birth control pillsThyroid medicationsEven slight potency loss in these drugs can compromise treatment outcomes.BALANCING COST, ACCESS, AND SAFETYAccess and cost can complicate decision-making. While it's ideal to replace outdated medications, older drugs may sometimes be the only affordable option. In such cases, seeking advice from a pharmacist or doctor is crucial, especially for chronic conditions or high-stakes treatments.PROPER DISPOSAL OF EXPIRED MEDICATIONSFrom an environmental and safety perspective, expired medications should be disposed of properly. Use take-back programs or follow the FDA's disposal guidelines to prevent accidental misuse and reduce environmental harm.While many medications may remain safe and effective a few days past their expiration, especially if stored properly, this is not universally true. It depends on the type of medication, how it has been stored, and the clinical context. The best practice is to replace essential medications promptly and consult healthcare professionals for safe and informed decisions.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
17 hours ago
- Time of India
Bryan Johnson claims he has the biology of a 10-year-old—thanks to oxygen therapy. Can science really turn back time?
Imagine waking up with the energy levels, organ functions, and biological markers of a 10-year-old at 46. That's exactly what tech entrepreneur and self-proclaimed biohacker Bryan Johnson claims he has achieved, and he credits it to a radical experiment: 90 days of intense oxygen therapy. Johnson, known for spending millions annually on anti-aging regimens under his Blueprint project, recently announced that this latest venture has helped him 'reverse' aspects of his biological age to that of a pre-teen. His claims, though bold, are grounded in an evolving field of science where longevity research is beginning to intersect with what was once considered science fiction. What is oxygen therapy? The treatment at the center of Johnson's latest experiment is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). While oxygen therapy in general refers to the medical use of supplemental oxygen, HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. These chambers are typically pressurized at two to three times normal atmospheric levels, enabling oxygen to dissolve more effectively into the bloodstream and reach tissues that may be oxygen-starved. This isn't a new practice. HBOT has been FDA-approved for a range of medical conditions, including carbon monoxide poisoning, gangrene, non-healing wounds, and decompression sickness (common among divers). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Una inversión en Amazon podría darte un salario extra. Undo But over the last few years, HBOT has gained attention for its potential anti-aging and regenerative benefits. How does HBOT work on the body? Under normal conditions, oxygen is carried mostly by red blood cells. But when the body is exposed to high-pressure pure oxygen, more oxygen dissolves directly into the blood plasma. This super-oxygenated blood can then travel deeper into body tissues, promoting healing and rejuvenation at the cellular level. Some of the key reported benefits of HBOT include: Increased production of stem cells, which help regenerate damaged tissues Reduced inflammation across various organs Improved mitochondrial function, which boosts cellular energy Enhanced cognitive performance Potential telomere extension – telomeres are protective caps on DNA that shorten with age A 2020 study conducted in Israel found that HBOT could not only increase the length of telomeres (often considered a marker of youthfulness) but also reduce senescent cells, which are old, malfunctioning cells that contribute to aging and disease. Bryan Johnson's results: Hype or hope? According to Johnson, after 90 days of HBOT combined with his usual strict regimen of exercise, plant-based diets, sleep optimization, and regular medical testing, he experienced: Improvements in skin health Reduction in biological markers of aging Enhanced lung capacity and cardiovascular performance Better cognitive function and sleep quality He claims that his overall biological profile, assessed using various biomarkers, now resembles that of a 10-year-old. It's important to note, however, that biological age can be calculated differently depending on the metrics used, and it's not a universally agreed-upon standard. Is it safe and effective for everyone? While Johnson's transformation has captured the public's imagination, medical experts urge caution. HBOT, though promising, is not without risks. Prolonged exposure can lead to oxygen toxicity, barotrauma (injury caused by pressure), and even vision changes. Moreover, the accessibility of such treatments remains limited. A full course of HBOT can cost thousands of dollars, and the kind of monitoring and medical supervision Johnson undergoes is far from standard. Dr. Shai Efrati, a pioneer in HBOT research, argues that with the right protocols and patient selection, HBOT could one day be used more broadly to slow biological aging, but more peer-reviewed studies are needed before it can be widely recommended. A glimpse into the future? Bryan Johnson's experiment opens up exciting, if controversial, possibilities in the field of anti-aging and longevity science. It challenges traditional views of aging as a linear, irreversible process and suggests that, with the right tools, we might not only delay aging but potentially rewind certain biological clocks. Still, it's essential to separate anecdotal success stories from scientific consensus. As fascinating as Johnson's story is, it should serve as a launchpad for deeper inquiry, not a universal prescription. While the idea of having the biology of a 10-year-old at midlife sounds like a dream, the reality is far more nuanced. Oxygen therapy, particularly HBOT, holds promise, but it's not a miracle solution, at least not yet. What Bryan Johnson's journey does offer, however, is a compelling glimpse into the future of how we might age and perhaps, how we might not. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Amid staff crunch, FDA to appoint 40 food safety officers this week
Mumbai: After operating with just five food safety officers (FSOs) for nearly a year, the city's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to appoint at least 40 new FSOs by June 7, in a bid to address a severe staffing shortfall. The drug department under the FDA is similarly stretched thin with only five field officers in the city. It may take another year to reach its required strength of 25 to 30 here. Officials say the shortage significantly hampered inspections and enforcement, overburdening the limited staff. Following action taken against a Zepto facility in Dharavi on Sunday, FDA officials admitted they currently lack the manpower to inspect similar warehouses operated by delivery platforms. "Food safety officers are the field workers who conduct sampling and routine inspections. Without adequate numbers, essential tasks like testing for milk adulteration or checking ice quality can't happen at the large scale required," said Mangesh Mane, joint commissioner (Food). Although over 40 officers are expected to be appointed within days, Mane said training will take another month or two. "We expect them to join the workforce by October," he added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo FDA commissioner Rajesh Narvekar said the food division has 350 sanctioned posts, but only 132 are filled, leaving a gap of 218 officers. After repeated proposals to the govt and the Maharashtra Public Service Commission, 194 food safety officers and 8 assistant commissioners were finally selected, bringing the department's total strength to just over 300. However, according to food safety norms, one officer per 1,000 food business operators, the FDA needs at least 1,100 officers. The drug department, meanwhile, has 200 sanctioned posts but only 48 filled, with 152 vacancies still open. A revised recruitment proposal has been submitted to MPSC, but officials say it will take another year. The persistent shortfall is largely due to a prolonged pause in recruitment drives and a wave of retirements, promotions, and transfers over the past year or more. "We are meeting our targets by working extra hours. Leaves are being sacrificed, but we're trying not to let it affect our functioning," said an official from the drug department. Still, gaps remain. "There's no major problem due to shortfall in issuing manufacturing licenses after conducting their inspections," said Narvekar. "The problem is in monitoring retailers and wholesalers," he added. Abhay Pandey, president of the All Food and Drug Licence Holders Foundation, warned of serious public health consequences. "Random sampling at retail stores and distributor levels simply isn't happening for more than a year at a scale it should. Without it, there's no way to ensure quality control," he said.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Entrepreneur finds alternative to make areca plates safer after US ban
Mangaluru: Entrepreneur and researcher Nivedan Nempe has developed an innovative, eco-friendly alternative following the recent US ban on arecanut leaf sheath dinnerware. His intervention comes at a crucial time, as areca growers and industry experts from Karnataka's areca belt have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seek the lifting of the restriction. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an import alert banning dinnerware made from areca catechu sheaths, citing the presence of naturally occurring toxins that may migrate into food at unsafe levels. The FDA's concerns significantly impacted India's $400-500 million areca plate industry, with nearly 80–85% of exports directed to the US. Most manufacturers are concentrated in Dakshina Kannada and Shivamogga, and the ban threatens the livelihoods of many families. Nivedan, founder of Areca Tea and operating in Udupi and Shivamogga, acknowledged the FDA's concerns and told TOI: "As a preventive step, the FDA banned imports. But this severely affects Indian manufacturers. The Indian industry made efforts, including writing to the FDA, but the industry is at risk." In response, Nempe engineered a food-grade, anti-microbial paper lining that acts as a barrier between the food and the areca plate, preventing toxin migration and fungal growth. "The material is certified, heat-resistant up to 300°C, durable, printable, and gives a premium finish. It meets international safety standards without altering the existing production process," he said. While the innovation may increase production costs by 10–15%, Nivedan believes that it is the best way forward. "Our lab results were positive on all parameters. It even looks better than bagasse plates. My goal is to safeguard the industry and support the farmers by supplying this new food-grade paper."
