Have you ever wondered what happens if you eat expired medicine? Almost everyone knows that it can be a harmful practice. However, sometimes people take expired medicines due to carelessness, lack of awareness, or simply because they aren’t informed why they shouldn’t. In this health blog, let’s find out the effects of taking expired medicines on your body.
What is Meant by A Medicines Expiration Date?
Each medicine has a distinct formula that specifies its active and inert components. These formulations are how drugs address certain diseases, disorders, and symptoms. When a drug is produced, the producer specifies the shelf-life. The amount of time a medicine may be used without degradation is referred to as its shelf-life. This involves assessing efficacy and safety within a specific time frame.
Once the expiration date has passed there is no guarantee that the medicine will be safe and effective. If your medicine has expired, do not use it. – U.S Foodand Drug Administration
If you have taken an expired medicine, book an appointment to consult a doctor online now! You can consult the best Medical Specialists in Lahore via Marham.
Types of Medicines and their Expiry Dates
Since every medicine has a different formula, the effects of taking them after the expiration date has passed are also different.
1. Antibiotics
Antibiotics that have expired often lose part of their strength, making it unlikely that they will be able to completely kill the microorganism that is causing your sickness. Suppose you have leftover antibiotics from your last prescription. It’s likely that that not be suited for your illness.
Moreover, when you use the wrong antibiotic, microorganisms develop resistance to the treatment. This implies that the next time you require the antibiotic, it may not be effective when you require it the most. If you are suffering from a sickness or infection, it is critical that you consult with your doctor to ensure that you receive the appropriate antibiotic for your condition.
2. Hormonal Pills
Those medicines that are prescribed to alter hormone levels include Birth control pills, thyroid medicines, insulin, etc. These should never be used after their expiration date since they lose potency. For example, insulin often expires 30-60 days after opening the vial or pen. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a condition in which insufficient insulin in the body is caused by taking expired insulin. Additionally, thyroid medications are also sensitive to expiration dates, so older medications may not be able to effectively stabilize your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
3. Blood Thinning Medication
Anti-platelet drugs or blood thinners are frequently administered following the placement of a cardiac stent, a valve, or the removal of a blood clot. They help regulate potentially life-threatening diseases such as epilepsy, asthma, diabetes, or heart failure. They should be used with extreme caution since utilizing expired, discolored, or damaged pills can be fatal.
Also, read more about the 8 Types of Medicines That Can Make You Tired.
4. Liquid Medicines
Liquid drugs should not be used after the expiration date has passed. These drugs can be hazardous because they create an ideal habitat for germs and fungi to thrive. If you use expired, possibly contaminated liquid drugs, especially on sensitive tissues like your eyes, you risk infecting yourself.
Unlike pills or tablets, liquid drugs may have more strict storage needs and instructions. Because nitroglycerine is particularly sensitive to heat and sunshine, it is kept in a dark-colored container. Certain chemotherapy medications must be kept in glass bottles in the refrigerator, and insulin is another liquid drug that must be refrigerated.
5. Gel Capsules
Because expired gel capsules are susceptible to heat and humidity, they must be utilized with extreme caution. Before taking any prescription, inspect the tablets and bottles to ensure that they are not broken, open, sticky, or discolored.
What to Do After Eating Expired Medicine?
If you have taken an expired medicine, don’t panic and drink lots of water to flush it out. Under the worst situation, expired medications might harm your kidneys and liver. If the expired drugs have a detrimental effect on your metabolism, you may develop allergies or even have weaker immunity.
If a small dosage is taken, there are fewer chances of developing any symptoms. However, if you notice any changes after taking it or feel sick, consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Consult a Gastroenterologist Now!
If you have mistakenly or unknowingly taken an expired medicine and are now experiencing headaches, nausea, or other symptoms. You can consult Online with a doctor from the comfort of your home via Marham.
Book an appointment now, to answer all your queries. You can book an appointment with the top gastroenterologists in Lahore through Marham by calling at Marham helpline: 0311-1222398 or by online booking facility through the website or Marham mobile app.
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FAQs
1. What to do if expired medicine is taken?
Drink plenty of water after taking expired medicine and consult a doctor if you notice any symptoms.
2. What drugs become toxic after expiration?
Many drugs become toxic after expiration, like nitroglycerin tablets, insulin tetracycline, etc.
3. Can expired pills make you sick?
Taking a small dosage of expired pills is not likely to cause any health issues, but visit a doctor as soon as possible if you feel sick.
