Expired medications: In case of minor illnesses like headache, body aches, fever, cold and cough, we often take medicines kept at home. This provides immediate relief but can sometimes be dangerous. In fact, every medicine has an expiry date. After which, the chemical composition of that medicine is altered which can also change the relief it provides.
We all keep in mind the expiry date of the medicine while purchasing it, we also know that this medicine should not be taken, but many mistakes are made regarding it which can put us in trouble, it is why today in this article fact related to expired medications…
1. Why are expired medications dangerous?
When a drug expires, its chemical composition changes. Whatever changes occur in it can also make the drug dangerous. However, this does not mean that the drug can be deadly. This is why no drug manufacturing company guarantees its effectiveness once the expiration date has passed.
2. What will happen if you consume expired medicines?
Side effects of expired medications can vary depending on their chemicals. Taking such medications during illness can be dangerous. A chemical compound called tetracycline used in medicines can enter the body after its expiration date and cause kidney damage.
3. Side effects of consuming medicines after the expiration date
Vomiting and diarrhea may occur
Old allergies may flare up
Rashes may appear on the skin
Danger to liver and kidneys
Risk of slowing metabolism
Risk of antibiotic resistance
4. What to do with medications after their expiry date?
Destroy unnecessary medications in your home first aid kit. Instead of flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash, you can take them to your local government for recycling. Throwing these medications in the trash or simply throwing them away can make pets sick or harm the environment.
5. What to do if you accidentally consume expired medicine?
According to doctors, if you accidentally consume expired medicines, do not panic. If you experience itching, dizziness, headache or breathing problems, you should seek medical attention immediately.
6. What precautions should be taken regarding medications?
When buying medicines, be sure to read its instructions.
Display information such as the manufacturing date and expiration date of the medicine.
Store the medicine according to the instructions written on it.
It is advisable to store the medicine at a temperature below 25°C, in a dark place, away from sunlight and heat, or in the refrigerator.
If you store medicines in a box, close it tightly so that humid air does not come into contact. Take care of their packaging.
Disclaimer: Some information given in the news is based on media reports. Before implementing any suggestion, you must consult the concerned expert.
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