It is very common to keep medicines past their expiry date. Moreover, according to a recent study by the Agency for the Safety of Medicines (ANSM), 34% of French people consider it “not very dangerous” or “not at all dangerous” to take expired medicine.
What is the “end date”?
The expiration date is a kind of guarantee that the potency of the drug will last at least until that date. “It is imposed by regulatory agencies on manufacturers,” explains Professor Drickey. “They are asked to ensure the quality, efficacy and safety of the drug over a period of time. This can range from 1 to 3 years (more rarely 5 years) from the date of manufacture. »
Thus, during this period, the organoleptic characteristics of the product, i.e. its texture, its color or even its taste, should not change.
“If the medicine is stored properly by the user,” the pharmacologist takes the time to clarify, “because changes in temperature or exposure to light or moisture can change the quality of the medicine. That is why it is not recommended to store it in the bathroom. »
Liquids versus solids
But once the expiration date has passed, is the drug less effective or even dangerous? Actually, it depends on the drug. Some will be sensitive and others less so.
“Liquid forms are very sensitive. It contains preservatives and these are the first elements to degrade. So using it outside the time frame risks spreading the bacteria,” warns Professor Dreesi.
Thus, under the term “liquid forms”, we find:
- Syrup
- Eye drops
- Injectable drugs
- But creams and ointments that can rot.
What about solid shapes?
Again it depends. “Some are relatively resistant, for example paracetamol or codeine. On the other hand, there is no question of exceeding the expiration limit for a product used in PrEP or pre-exposure prophylaxis in the context of HIV. Antibiotics, contraceptive pills, anti-asthmatics, same for treating hypertension…”.
To summarize, Professor Dreesi explains that ideally, it is better not to take expired medicines. Daily use, used for small “sores”, does not cause many problems beyond a few weeks, before being cleared for freely available drugs (except liquid forms).
On the other hand, for prescription products, there are real risks of abuse. They may lose their effectiveness and/or become harmful.
