At some point in our lives, most of us have discovered ourselves to have taken an expired medicine unknowingly to us. Maybe, you have had a very serious health issue and you are not conscious about confirming the drug’s expiration date, you went ahead to swallow them and later realized that those pills or tablets have expired a few days, months, or even some years ago. Such a situation can leave you in an ocean of thought and worries, such that you may be eager to know if your life is at risk.
In this regard, we intend to answer this question- ‘CAN EXPIRED MEDICINE KILL YOU’?
However, this is a topic of global concern as there are increasing cases of people consuming expired medicines mostly out of ignorance. In this article, detailed explanations will be made available as to the question, can expired medicine kill you?
CAN EXPIRED MEDICINE KILL
Death is unlikely to occur when one takes an expired medicine. It is an established fact that expired medicine does not necessarily have lethal consequences, but it does have the potential to be harmful or ineffective. The expiration date on medication signifies the period during which the manufacturer guarantees the drug’s stability and effectiveness. Beyond that date, the drug’s safety and potency may decline, which does not necessarily imply that the drug will be deadly if consumed. However, the use of expired medicines can lead to several outcomes including:
- Decreased effectiveness:
Over time, expired medication can lose its potency, resulting in reduced efficacy. This is especially concerning for medications used to treat serious conditions or infections.
- Reduced safety:
Chemical changes may occur in expired medications, leading to the production of harmful byproducts. Ingesting these byproducts, particularly in large quantities or for individuals with pre-existing health conditions, can pose risks.
- Increased risk of infection:
Expired antibiotics, in particular, may be less effective against bacteria, potentially leading to inadequate treatment and prolonged or worsened infections.
Moreover, there is a certain risk that is associated with expired medicine. The most common of them will be discussed herein.
RISK OF EXPIRED MEDICINES
1. Reduction in Drug’s Effectiveness
Understanding why drugs lose their effectiveness over time requires knowledge of how they function. Drugs operate by binding to cell receptors, which then send signals to the rest of the cell, triggering the desired reaction. For instance, ibuprofen reduces pain by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, a hormone that causes pain.
While reduced efficacy may not sound overly concerning, it establishes a perilous situation. Antibiotics like amoxicillin, for instance, can lose their effectiveness within two weeks when dissolved in water (unless stored in the refrigerator). Consuming an expired dose of amoxicillin not only becomes less effective but also provides an opportunity for the targeted pathogens to develop immunity to it. The same principle applies to other medications as well.
2. Risk of Drug Addiction
The ineffectiveness of expired medication often leads individuals to increase their dosage in an attempt to achieve the desired effects. This dangerous practice is a contributing factor to the opioid crisis, where overprescribing and excessive use of drugs can result in addiction.
Drug addiction is already a significant problem, even when using medications that are still within their effective period. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, in 2019 alone, over 70,000 Americans lost their lives due to drug overdoses, with 70% of those deaths attributed to opioids. Individuals who are prone to substance abuse and have access to a combination of expired and fresh medications are at high risk, as it can lead to devastating outcomes, including fatalities and ruined lives. Cleaning out medicine cabinets can be immensely helpful in mitigating these risks.
To address this issue, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) organizes National Drug Takeback Day twice a year. This event provides an opportunity for households to properly dispose of their expired medications at designated DEA collection sites. This initiative not only allows people to clear out their medicine cabinets but also serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible drug handling and disposal.
3. Legal Repercussions
It is noted in Section 829 of Title 21 USC, commonly referred to as the Controlled Substances Act, which prohibits individuals from giving their prescribed medications to others. Keeping expired medications in the household increases the risk of unintentional sharing or distribution, even without any intent to do so.
Furthermore, it is important to note that various states have their own specific regulations regarding the proper disposal of expired drugs. These regulations aim to ensure safe and appropriate methods for getting rid of medications that are no longer effective or needed. It is advisable to familiarize oneself with the specific guidelines in the respective state to ensure compliance with the appropriate disposal procedures.
4. Resistance to Antibiotics
As previously discussed, the diminished efficacy of antibiotics over time can provide an opportunity for diseases to develop increased resistance to them. This phenomenon, known as antibiotic resistance, has been a significant issue even before the pandemic. Antibiotic resistance currently claims twice as many lives in the U.S. as drug overdoses and poses a grave threat to rendering all commonly used antibiotics ineffective.
Antibiotics possess strong potency and should only be taken according to the prescribed instructions, including the correct dosage and frequency. Once the prescribed timeframe for taking the medication has elapsed, it is essential to consult the doctor to determine whether the treatment should end or continue with another batch of antibiotics. This ensures that the appropriate course of action is taken to address the specific medical condition while minimizing the risk of promoting antibiotic resistance.
What to do if mistakenly took an expired medicine
If you accidentally take expired medication, there is no need to panic. In most cases, consuming expired drugs does not immediately place you at a life-threatening risk, nor does it guarantee immediate adverse reactions.
To ensure proper disposal and receive appropriate guidance, it is recommended to return the medication to the pharmacy. Provide a detailed account of why and when you took the expired drug. Your pharmacist is well-equipped to evaluate the situation and advise you on the necessary steps to take next. By involving the pharmacist, you can receive expert guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
CONCLUSION
While consuming a single dose of expired medication is unlikely to have severe consequences, it is generally advised to avoid using expired medications. Properly disposing of them and obtaining fresh medication from a pharmacist or healthcare provider is the best course of action. If you have any concerns regarding specific medications or their expiration dates, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SHELF LIFE AND EXPIRED MEDICATIONS?
The concept of shelf life is closely tied to the quality of a drug. While a medication may still be safe to use beyond its expiration date, its quality, and effectiveness cannot be guaranteed.
WHAT DOES THE EXPIRY DATE ON DRUGS IMPLY?
When pharmaceutical companies label medications with expiration dates, it signifies that the stated day, month, or year is the cutoff point at which the medicines are considered safe for use. It serves as the final day that drug makers guarantee the drug’s full potency.
It is important to note that the potency of drugs begins to decrease from the moment they are manufactured. Therefore, a drug’s potency does not spontaneously vanish after its expiration date.
While a medication may still retain its potency after the expiration date, the date itself is only an assurance that the drug’s potency will last until that point. Anything that occurs beyond that date cannot be accounted for by the manufacturer.
WHICH ORGAN IS AFFECTED BY EXPIRED MEDICINE?
In severe cases, expired medicines can have detrimental effects on your kidneys and liver. They can potentially lead to the development of allergies or compromise your immune system if they negatively impact your metabolism. It is crucial to prioritize the use of non-expired medications to avoid these potential risks and ensure the optimal functioning of your vital organs and overall health.