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Medically reviewed by Patricia Mikula, PharmD
When cleaning out your medicine cabinet, you may find expired medications, some of which can be harmful to use. Some expired medications to avoid include insulin, epinephrine, eye drops, and liquid antibiotics, as they may be ineffective or contaminated.
1. EpiPen (Epinephrine)
An EpiPen contains epinephrine to treat life-threatening allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Once an EpiPen expires, it may no longer be effective in a medical emergency.
EpiPens usually last for 12 to 18 months. Some research suggests they may remain effective for up to 30 months, but more research is needed to confirm this.
It is critical to give epinephrine at the first sign of anaphylaxis. If you only have an expired EpiPen, use it. Research found that most EpiPens retain 100% of their epinephrine for up to 6 months after their expiration date. There are risks to relying on an expired EpiPen, but it can still be helpful in an emergency.
2. Insulin
Insulin is an essential medication for many people with diabetes. After eating, the body uses insulin to move glucose from the blood to the cells for energy. This prevents high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and serious complications.
Over time, insulin breaks down, making it less effective. Because insulin degrades quickly, using expired insulin may not control blood sugar levels. This can lead to hyperglycemia and serious complications, including diabetic ketoacidosis.
Using expired insulin may cause skin problems. A study found that a person developed an extensive rash called acute erythrodermic psoriasis after using expired insulin.
3. Nitroglycerin
Nitroglycerin is a fast-acting medication that widens blood vessels to improve blood flow and treat chest pain. This medication can be taken as a patch, spray, ointment, or under-the-tongue (sublingual) tablet.
Research found that nitroglycerin breaks down over time, making it less effective. Nitroglycerin can break down more quickly when stored in a hot, damp place. Using this medication after its expiration date likely won't help, which is dangerous because untreated heart disease can lead to a heart attack.
4. Liquid Antibiotics
Liquid antibiotics are often prescribed to infants, children, and people who have trouble swallowing pills. Liquid antibiotics are less stable than pills or tablets.
One study found that liquid antibiotics may not be effective after their expiration date. They may also be at risk of bacterial contamination. Possible signs of contamination or breakdown include:
- Discoloration
- Cloudiness
- Formation of crystals
Check with a pharmacist as there are cases were refrigeration can extend shelf life.
5. Eye Drops
Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops may be prone to bacterial growth. Once the seal is broken and the eye drops have been used, they are no longer sterile.
A study found that expired eye drops may lead to a serious eye disease called toxic epithelial keratopathy. This disease can cause vision problems and eye pain. Avoid using eye drops after their expiration date.
6. Tetracyline
Tetracycline is an antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections. Antibiotics lose their effectiveness over time. Taking expired antibiotics may not effectively treat an infection, raising the risk of antibiotic resistance.
Research found that taking expired tetracycline can lead to kidney damage. Once you finish a course of antibiotics, discard any leftovers.
7. Birth Control
Oral birth control pills lose their effectiveness over time. Taking expired birth control may not prevent pregnancy. Birth control pills stored in very hot or cold environments may break down more quickly.
Keep these pills away from humidity, such as from a bathroom shower. If your birth control pills have expired, see your healthcare provider for a new prescription.
8. Inhalers
Rescue inhalers used to treat asthma attacks may not be effective after their expiration dates. Inhalers often contain albuterol, a bronchodilator that relaxes the muscles and opens up the airway. Most inhalers expire after one year.
When your inhaler expires, see your healthcare provider to obtain a prescription for a new one. This is important even if you have never used it. If you experience an asthma attack and only have an expired inhaler with you, try using the inhaler and then seek emergency medical care if needed.
How to Safely Dispose of Expired Medications
If you have expired medication, it's best to dispose of it. Read the drug's label to see if it lists specific disposal instructions. If not, consider one of the following options:
- Drug take-back program: Check the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) website to find a local drug take-back program that will safely dispose of unwanted or expired medications for you.
- Check the flush list: The FDA provides a list of medications that can be safely flushed down the toilet.
- Throw it out: When disposing of medications at home, remove them from their original containers and mix them with an unappealing substance, such as kitty litter or coffee grounds.
Medication Storage Safety
Some medications may become less effective before their expiration dates if stored improperly. Some tips include:
- Avoid storing medications in hot, damp places, such as the bathroom
- Opt for a cool, dry place, such as a kitchen cabinet
- Make sure your storage place is out of reach for children and pets
Read the original article on Verywell Health
