It was on the today show earlier today, but I left before the segment aired. My father says that taking expired medicine is ok. I don't think so. Can someone help?
2006-10-27 01:05:46 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
Being a physician I have to disagree with the PA. Although the government forces medication suppliers to ensure potentcy the real issue is toxicity. Several common medications degrade over time through reacting with air, light and moisture. They can chemically decompose to poisonous substances.
The most famous example is aspirin which reacts with light and water vapor. Old aspirin will start to form crystals on the bottom if you see this throw it away immediately.
2006-10-27 06:57:25 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's a reason they are required to place expiration dates on medicines. Just like on food. In stores, expired products are taken off the shelves and disposed of.
They can actually turn bad, rancid, poisonous, give you more problems than the problem. You're right, dad's made the mistake this time. Show him some stats off the internet on this subject. Good Luck!
2006-10-27 01:17:32 · answer #2 · answered by Barbara 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being a PA, there is nothing wrong with taking an expired pill, but there is a reason not to. pills have a half-life for how long they are effective. after the expiration date, a pill will not be as effective as it was, therefore the desired effect might not happen. all depends on how long it has been expired though.
2006-10-27 06:21:53 · answer #3 · answered by Griff 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do no longer flush them - I continually thought that's what you have been meant to do (so animals/teenagers could no longer get them) yet i became informed by many factors that it is terrible for the water gadget. I asked a pair pharmacies when I had some previous drugs to get rid of - they pronounced they positioned them in a sealed bag in kitty clutter and throw them out with the trash. i think the kitty clutter is to absorb them if the pills/caplets wreck aside, and to make it so animals & pets do no longer consume them?
2016-10-16 11:17:41 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not only do medications lose their intensity it can also poison you if it is outdated. Always remember to take out the cotton in the bottles.
2006-10-27 01:15:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course not.
They are usually valid for 6 more months, but depending the storage conditions (temperature and humidity).
I wouldn't do it.
Just go to Walgreens and get new ones.
2006-10-27 01:09:28 · answer #6 · answered by Transgénico 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
no. medication loses its strength the older it gets and may not be AS affective or work at all. and depending on what it's been exposed to (too much light, temperature etc..) medication can even lose it's intensity while it's still "good". After an expiry date, please THROW out.
2006-10-27 01:11:41 · answer #7 · answered by darlene_tassone1971 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
no
2006-10-27 01:13:29 · answer #8 · answered by anitababy.brainwash 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it is risky
2006-10-27 01:10:19 · answer #9 · answered by genius sonia 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋