The 8 drugs you should NEVER take past their use-by date to avoid surprise pregnancy, horror infections – & even death
RUN out of time to go to the GP for a new prescription or your local pharmacy to restock the medicine cabinet?
It can be tempting to knock back drugs past their expiry date – but don’t risk it.
Niamh McMillan, Superdrug’s pharmacy superintendent, tells Sun Health: “It’s recommended not to use any medication past its expiry date.
“NHS guidance recommends always checking expiry dates and avoiding expired medication.”
A survey of 2,000 people by Censuswide for Chemist4U discovered 62 per cent of Brits do check the use-by date before taking medications, but 36 per cent thought they had taken expired meds.
It may feel like a waste, binning drugs that are only a few days over, especially if it’s a prescription you paid for, but it’s not the same as eating food that looks and smells OK despite being past its best before date.
Niamh says: “Medication should not be used past its expiry date due to a risk of reduced effectiveness and potential harm.”
Key ones you should never take if expired are…
1. Antibiotics
AROUND 30million antibiotic prescriptions are dispensed every year in the UK, and many of us keep hold of them in drawers at home after a course.
“But over time, antibiotics can become less effective, therefore they should not be taken once expired,” says Niamh.
Dr Crystal Wyllie, GP at Asda Online Doctor, adds: “You should never take expired antibiotics because not only are these less effective at treating infections, but they can also contribute to antibiotic resistance, making future infections harder to treat.”
2. Epinephrine auto-injectors (e.g. EpiPens)
ANYONE who is at risk of anaphylaxis – a life-threatening allergic reaction – should carry an EpiPen.
But it’s important to regularly check these have not expired.
“Always carry and use in-date pens, as the effectiveness of adrenaline degrades with time,” says Niamh.
3. Glyceryl trinitrate (used for treating angina)
“THIS medication becomes unstable and less effective after expiry, resulting in inadequate relief from chest pain (angina),” says Niamh.
While not dangerous on it’s own, it can be incredibly uncomfortable, with patients describing a squeezing feeling, or tightness, heaviness or pressure in the chest.
4. Insulin
THOUSANDS of people in the UK rely on insulin – a medicine that helps the body use glucose for energy.
“But once it has expired, it loses its strength, making it ineffective, which can be life-threatening,” says Niamh.
5. Eye drops
“EYE drops can become contaminated after opening,” says Niamh.
“You should always check the product packaging for guidance on expiry after opening.
“Even unopened bottles are ineffective or unsafe when used after the expiry date.
“Once expired, you should stop using them immediately.”
6. Biological medications (e.g. monoclonal antibodies)
“EXPIRED biological medications lose their potency after expiration and therefore should not be used past the expiry date,” says Niamh.
These drugs are often used for immune disorders, asthma and cancer treatment.
7. Contraceptive pills
THE pill remains the most popular form of prescribed contraceptive among women in England, with 3.1million taking the drug in 2017 to 2018.
But don’t hold onto blister packs that are out of date.
“Expired birth control pills can also be less effective, increasing the risk of unintended pregnancy,” says Dr Wyllie.
8. Weight loss injectables
“YOU should also never use expired injectable medications, including weight loss jabs like GLP-1s, as these can be unsafe, ineffective and cause unexpected side effects,” says Dr Wyllie.
This can include irritation and infection.
THE RISKS
OUT-of-date medications can not only work less well, they can make you unwell.
Dr Wyllie says: “While many expired medications simply become less effective and can’t properly treat medical issues, some expired medicines can be harmful to your health, causing infections, for example.
“Cough syrups and other liquid medications that have bacterial growth can cause gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhoea and vomiting.
“Expired eye drops on the other hand can harbour bacteria and cause conjunctivitis.”
If you experience any concerning side effects from taking expired medication, such as an infection or an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention
Dr Crystal Wyllie
Dr Wyllie adds: “You should never use expired blood thinners, thyroid medications, and insulin.
“After their expiration date, the safety and effectiveness of these medications can’t be guaranteed, potentially leading to dangerous health complications.”
For instance, with expired insulin, you can be at increased risk of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) which can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, which can be life threatening.
SEEKING HELP
IT’S wise to seek help if you think you might have taken drugs that are out of date.
Dr Wyllie says: “If you realise you’ve taken expired medication, stop using it immediately and speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
“They can assess the situation and advise you on the best course of action, including getting a new prescription or adjusting your dosage.
“If you experience any concerning side effects from taking expired medication, such as an infection or an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention.”
Niamh adds: “Taking expired versions can be harmful and you should seek urgent advice if you’re concerned.
“When in doubt, contact a pharmacist or NHS 111 for further guidance.”
How to really save money on medicines
1. Save cash with sachets
So, is there any packaging you can buy to help your medicines last longer – and save you a bit of cash?
For one thing, you can look out for pills in blister packs. These tend to protect medicines better because the contents are only exposed to air when you actually break them out.
You can also save cash by opting for cough and cold remedies that come as powders in sachets which you mix up with water – as long as you store them properly in a dry, dark place.
2. Check the ‘secret’ nine-digit code on the packet
There can be a big difference in cost between branded medicines, like painkillers, and brand name products.
To find out if they are actually the same thing, look out for the nine number Product Licence on the side.
If these are the same, they are the same medicine. So compare and opt for the one that costs less.
3. Sign up for a loyalty card
Lots of pharmacies and chemist chains have discount cards to keep you coming back.
Once you find one which offers decent money off over time, stick with it to rack up rewards.
4. Buy a prescription season ticket
Depending on how many medicines you need every year, it could save you up to £350 annually to buy a prescription ‘season ticket’, known as a prescription prepayment certificate, from the NHS.
You can pay either £32.05 for three months or £114.50 for a year for your season ticket.
It will start saving you cash if you regularly need more than three items in three months, or 11 items in 12 months.
5. Save on HRT
If you are a midlife woman who takes hormone replacement therapy (HRT), the costs can rack up.
However to save cash, you can now apply online for a HRT Replacement Therapy Prescription Prepayment certificate. The cost of two prescriptions is £19.30.
This will cover all your HRT costs for the year, saving you between £90 and £200, according to estimates.
SKIP THE BIN
PILLS out of date? Try not to chuck old medications or pill packets in the kitchen bin.
Niamh says: “You should not dispose of medications in the bin or down the toilet, as this can harm the environment.
“Instead, take them to a community pharmacy – including Superdrug pharmacies – where they can be safely disposed of.”
Even if they’re in date, there are certain times when you should still get rid of meds.
Dr Wyllie explains: “Never use any medications that have changed in appearance, texture, or smell, as these can be signs that it is no longer safe.”
SAFE STORAGE
IT’S easier to track use by dates and make sure medications don’t degrade ahead of time if you’re storing them correctly in the first place.
Niamh says: “Expiry dates ensure that a medicine will work as intended up to that point, provided it’s stored correctly.
“Once a medicine has been opened, such as a bottle of liquid or eye drops, it will often have a shorter shelf life, e.g. 28 days after opening.
“Always check the label or patient information leaflet.
“Storing medication in hot, humid or bright conditions can cause medications to degrade faster, therefore it is always recommended to store them in a cool, dry place.”
It might seem natural to store meds in the bathroom, but Dr Wyllie says it’s not the best spot.
“The changes in humidity and temperature can cause medications to break down and lose their effectiveness,” the expert adds.
“Instead, unless otherwise directed on the label, medications should be stored in a cool, dry place, like a dresser drawer, closet shelf, or kitchen cabinet away from heat and moisture.
“Always check the storage instructions for each medication.”
She says you should also avoid combining different batches of the same medication.
“Instead, keep your medicine in its original container to keep track of expiration dates,” the doctor adds.
“If you use a pill organiser, always check expiration dates before transferring medications to ensure they are still safe to take.”
The most dangerous medicines in the world
By Katrina Turrill, Health News Editor
MANY people rely on medicines to manage long-term health conditions, treat immediate medical needs, and maintain their overall well-being.
But taking them the wrong way, or mixing certain drugs and supplements, can increase your risk of side effects.
According to pharmacist Ian Budd, certain medicines are considered more dangerous than others. These are:
- Blood thinners
- Antidepressants
- Decongestant nasal sprays
You can read exactly why in the full article here.
He adds that all medications should be used with caution, at the right dose, and under medical supervision.
“It’s crucial to recognise that all medications come with some degree of risk, and healthcare professionals thoroughly assess the benefits and potential harm before prescribing them,” he says.
If you’re concerned, speak to your healthcare provider.