Many people check expiration dates on milk, bread, and other food items, but medications are often overlooked. Whether it's a prescription bottle in the medicine cabinet, allergy medication in a purse, or an old tube of antibiotic ointment tucked away in a drawer, taking a moment to check expiration dates can help protect your health and ensure medications work as intended.

What Does an Expiration Date Mean?
An expiration date is the last date a manufacturer guarantees a medication will maintain its full strength, quality, and safety when stored according to label instructions. Over time, medications can break down and become less effective. Factors such as heat, humidity, and light exposure can accelerate this process.

While some medications may retain potency beyond their expiration date, there is no way for consumers to know exactly how effective they remain. Using expired medications may mean you are not receiving the treatment you need when you need it most.

• Why Taking Expired Medication Can Be Risky
• Reduced Effectiveness: The most common concern with expired medications is a loss of potency. If a medication has weakened over time, it may not provide the desired treatment. This can be especially concerning for medications used to treat serious conditions, infections, or chronic illnesses.
• Delayed Treatment: If an expired medication fails to work properly, symptoms may worsen or go untreated. This can delay recovery and potentially lead to additional health complications.
• Storage Conditions Matter: Even before expiration dates, medications stored improperly, such as in a humid bathroom or a hot vehicle, may degrade more quickly. Following storage instructions helps maintain medication quality and effectiveness.

Medications That Require Extra Attention
Certain medications should never be used past their expiration date without consulting a healthcare professional. These include:

• Insulin
• Nitroglycerin
• Epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens)
• Liquid antibiotics
• Eye drops
• Biologic medications
• Medications used for emergency situations

Because these medications can lose effectiveness over time, it is important to replace them before they expire.

Tips for Managing Your Medications

• Review Your Medications Regularly: Set a reminder every few months to check the expiration dates on both prescription and over-the-counter medications.
• Clean Out Medicine Cabinets Safely: Remove expired, discontinued, or unused medications to avoid accidental use.
• Store Medications Properly: Most medications should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Always follow the storage instructions provided by your pharmacist or on the medication label.
• Keep Medications in Their Original Containers: Original containers provide important information, including expiration dates, dosage instructions, and medication names.

How to Dispose of Expired Medications
Never flush medications down the toilet unless specifically instructed on the label. Instead:

• Use a local medication take-back program.
• Participate in community prescription drug take-back events.
• Follow FDA guidelines for safe disposal if no take-back options are available.

Many pharmacies and healthcare organizations can also provide guidance on safe medication disposal.

Partner With Your Pharmacist
Your pharmacist is a valuable resource for medication safety. If you find an expired medication or are unsure whether a medication is still safe to use, talk with your pharmacist before taking it. They can help determine whether a replacement is needed and answer any questions about proper storage and disposal.

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy
Checking medication expiration dates is a simple habit that can make a big difference. Taking medications that are current, properly stored, and used as directed helps ensure you receive the full benefit of your treatment. The next time you reach for a medication, take a moment to check the date. Your health is worth it.

Need help with your medications? Contact your AAPHC Pharmacy team to learn more about medication safety, storage, and disposal. We're here to help you stay healthy and informed.