Can the expired medicine which we all throw away still work? Learn the complete mathematics of expiry date from the pharmacist.

Can we use medicine after expiry date: Often we throw away expired medicines. But have you ever thought that most of these medicines are not completely bad? ICU ICU Pharmacist Jared Stockwell has told that expired medicine does not mean that the life of that medicine has ended. Science shows that many medicines continue to work even after a long time.

How is the maturity date determined?

TOI news quoted pharmacist Jared Stockwell as saying that in 1979, the Food and Drug Administration decided that there should be an expiry date on all food items. After this, the government directed to give expiry date on medicines also. After this, the pharmaceutical companies conducted stability tests and started giving expiry dates on this basis. Companies give full guarantee of the effectiveness of the medicine till the expiry date. Stockwell said that this does not mean that the medicine is now completely useless and it becomes poison. Rather, it means that the effect of the medicine is still there. He said that many of these medicines work well even after this time limit if kept in a cool, dry place, away from light and moisture.

How does the medicine work even after expiry?

After this, the Food and Drug Administration started researching medicines with expiry dates around 1986. In this the self life of medicines was tested. In this it was seen whether the medicines kept in storage should be thrown away after the expiry date or not. When the effects of these medicines were tested for several years, surprising results emerged. This study found that 88 percent of the medicines remain equally effective for an average of 66 months i.e. more than five years. Under ideal conditions, some medicines remain effective even for 10–15 years. This study proves that the method of storage matters more than the calendar date.

Which medicines last longer?

According to the report, medicines which are solid i.e. tablets perform better. Like painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen work for a long time. Similarly, allergy medicines antihistamine can also work till the expiry date. Many over the counter medicines continue to work in this way after expiry. However, for this the condition of the seal should be good. If it is leaking somewhere then it is difficult to work. If stored in the right place with a proper seal, they retain their full strength for years. According to Jared Stockwell, tablets are also durable because they break less than liquid medicines or injectables.

These medicines should be thrown away immediately

• Insulin: This medicine spoils quickly, which affects blood sugar control in diabetes.
• EpiPen and other epinephrine auto-injectors: These medications do not work at all for allergy attacks.
• heart medicines Like Nitroglycerin: loses its effect quickly.
• liquid antibiotics: Bacteria can grow or the effect is reduced, due to which even common infections can become dangerous.
• Old Tetracycline: One should stay away from this completely. After expiry it can become toxic and cause damage to the kidneys.

Smart ways to handle medicines

If a tablet bottle has expired a few months or two years ago and it looks fine, has no bad smell and is of correct color then it can be used. However, proper storage is very important for all this. But if you feel that it will not work after expiry then do not consume it. Take new medicine. However, throwing away all expired medicines is a waste of money and good medicines. Mainly solid tablets should be used further. Do not use syrup or liquid medicine.