What happens when you take expired medication
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Effects and Risks of Taking Expired Medication
Efficacy of Expired Medication
When considering the use of expired medication, one of the primary concerns is its efficacy. A comparative study involving 100 animals divided into two groups—one receiving non-expired drugs and the other expired medications—found that both groups experienced similar improvements in symptoms. This suggests that expired medications can still be effective in treating certain conditions. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of expired medications can vary depending on the type of drug and the conditions under which it was stored.
Safety Concerns and Adverse Effects
While expired medications may retain some efficacy, their safety profile is a significant concern. The same study observed a higher rate of adverse events in the group receiving expired medications compared to the group receiving non-expired drugs. The most common adverse effects in the expired medication group were gastrointestinal disturbances, whereas the non-expired medication group primarily reported moderate headaches. This indicates that while expired medications can be beneficial, they come with an increased risk of unpleasant side effects.
Knowledge and Disposal Practices
The proper disposal of expired medications is another critical issue. A cross-sectional study conducted among pharmacy and nursing students at King Saud University revealed that a significant number of students dispose of expired medications unsafely, such as by throwing them in household garbage or flushing them down the sink or toilet. Only a small percentage of students return leftover medications to a medical store. This improper disposal can lead to environmental contamination and potential health hazards.
Conclusion
In summary, while expired medications may still offer some therapeutic benefits, they pose a higher risk of adverse effects and should be used with caution. Proper disposal practices are essential to mitigate environmental and health risks. Patients and healthcare providers should prioritize the use of non-expired medications and follow appropriate disposal guidelines for expired drugs. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term implications of using expired medications.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic