Do Minnesotans Really Know If Their Medicines Are Expired?

I think this has happened to most of us. We go to the doctor, and they prescribe some medicine to help with whatever the issue we’re having is. In some cases, we need to take that medicine until it’s all gone.  

But then there are cases when we take the meds, we start feeling better and we don’t take them all. It could be the doctor wrote the script so that when this situation happens to us in the future, we have the medicine on hand. 

As time goes by, we look at the bottle and see that the medicine has past the expiration date. Does that mean we can’t take it anymore? I once had a doctor tell me that the medicine just loses its effectiveness or strength as time goes by, but in most cases that needs to be a lot of time pass by. 

I recently came across an article from Vox.com that addressed this topic and expounded on it more.  

The first thing I learned is that expiration dates have only been around since 1979, quite honestly, the testing involved to determine the outer beacon of effectiveness is not very scientific. 

The article says that manufacturers have been known to create a medicine, then go back at a certain point in the future, like a few years down the road, and check the medicine again. If it was nearly as strong as it was when it was created, that would be the expiration date. 

A study from 2012 says that most medicines can be as effective three years later as it is when it is prescribed to you. But you shouldn’t always count on that, it’s possible that the medicine will not be as strong as it once was, which may not help you feel better. 

How you store your medicines can also have an effect on them. The best tip on where to keep your medication is somewhere away from heat like what comes from kitchen or bathroom.  

The best place is a safe location in your bedroom, just make sure your medications are kept where small hands can’t get to them.  

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The article talked with many medical professionals who said they often used over the counter meds that had expired in non-emergency situations. But that is only in minor issues. If you feel you might need to see a doctor, do so because they can prescribe you medicines that will have the strength you’re looking for that can help you feel better faster.  

One note, remember to secure your medications, especially if you have people over often. Medicines being taken from people's homes is still very much a concern, especially when the medications are older, and you might have even forgotten you had it in the first place.