Have you checked your medicine cabinet lately?
While some may think expired medications are still safe to use, health authorities worldwide warn against their consumption due to potential risks.
In this edition of NCN Health, brought to you by GTM Insurance Company Limited and Essential Care Pharmacy, we delve into the dangers of expired medication.
When it comes to medications, the expiration date is crucial. It signifies the final day that the manufacturer guarantees the full potency and safety of a medication.
While some medications may lose effectiveness after expiration, others can pose serious health risks if taken beyond their printed date.
Critical medications used to treat conditions like chest pain, heart attacks, diabetes, allergies, and infections should always be consumed before their expiration date.
Examples include nitroglycerin for chest pain, insulin for diabetes, EpiPens for severe allergic reactions, antibiotics for infections, and birth control pills.
Nitroglycerin, susceptible to heat and moisture, may fail to halt a heart attack if expired. Insulin can lead to high blood sugar levels when used past its expiration, risking diabetic complications.
Expired birth control pills may result in unwanted pregnancies or hormonal imbalances.
Eye drops, when expired, can harbor bacteria and cause eye infections. Oral liquid antibiotics may become contaminated, worsening infections and rendering treatment ineffective.
While over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen may not harm you if used past expiration, it’s safest to discard expired products and consult your healthcare provider for guidance on medication usage.
Proper storage is essential to maintain medication efficacy. Store medications in cool, dry places like kitchen cabinets or dresser drawers to prevent degradation.