What are the potential effects of taking medications past their expiration date?

Taking medications past their expiration date can lead to altered potency and potentially harmful effects. Medications may degrade over time, resulting in a decrease in their effectiveness, which means that they may not provide the therapeutic benefit they were intended to deliver. In some cases, particularly with certain classes of drugs, the breakdown products can be detrimental or toxic to the body.

For example, some antibiotics may become less effective over time, leading to inadequate treatment of infections. This can result in symptoms lingering longer or worsening the patient's condition. In other cases, such as with certain high-risk medications, the degradation may produce harmful byproducts that can cause adverse reactions.

Understanding that the chemical composition of medications can change beyond their expiration dates is crucial for ensuring patient safety and therapeutic effectiveness. Therefore, it’s essential for patients to adhere to expiration dates on their medications and consult with healthcare professionals if they have medications that are past due.