10 meds/vits/otc's that should never be used past the expiration date

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From the EmpowHER network:

In 1979, a law was passed requiring drug manufacturers to stamp an expiration

date on their products. According to the Harvard Medical School Family Health

Guide, this is the date that manufacturers can guarantee full potency and safety

of the drug. Over a decade ago, the Federal Drug Administration conducted a

study and found that more than 90 percent of medications retained their

effectiveness after the specified expiration date. It may be time to take a look

inside your medicine cabinet and do some cleaning.

Tetracycline

Tetracycline is an antibiotic prescribed to treat bacterial infections, acne,

and urinary tract infections. It prevents the growth and spread of bacteria.

Tetracycline should be taken only as directed Discard any medication that is not

needed or expired. Taking expired tetracycline causes a serious kidney condition

called Fanconi syndrome. According to Medline Plus, Fanconi syndrome is a

disorder of the kidney tubes or ureters. Substances which are normally absorbed

into the bloodstream by the kidneys are released into the urine instead.

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Share ThisEmail Facebook Twitter StumbleUpon Delicious Digg 1 comments Insulin

According to an article by M.Grajower, M.D., et al., on the online

journal Diabetes Care, even though an expiration date is stamped on each bottle

of insulin, loss of potency can occur after the bottle has been in use for less

than or equal to one month. Diabetic patients are strongly advised not to use

insulin past the expiration date stamped on the bottle.

Nitroglycerin

Nitroglycerin is a medication prescribed to relieve or prevent an acute attack

of angina. The effectiveness of nitroglycerin decreases as it gets old. It

functions as a vasodilator by opening blood vessels to improve blood flow. This

drug loses its potency after its specified expiration date. Patients with angina

are strongly encouraged get a new prescription and to discard the expired

medication

Warfarin

Warfarin is an anticoagulant prescribed as treatment to prevent clot formation.

It is used as preventative treatment in cases of atrial fibrillation, following

cardiac valve replacement, and to reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

Warfarin is a drug which loses its potency over time.

It should not be taken after the specified expiration date.

Acetaminophen

According to BJC Health Care, acetaminophen loses its potency once past

expiration. You may need to take more of the expired medication to gain desired

relief. Taking acetaminophen in excess of the recommended dose can result in

liver toxicity. Properly dispose of the drug once past expiration.

Vitamins

The expiration date stamped on packages of vitamins have a definite purpose. The

date indicates for how long the potency of the product can be guaranteed. Taking

vitamins that are expired will not provide the maximum benefits. Never take a

double dose of the vitamin to compensate for the loss.

Mascara

Cosmetics do not have a stamped expiration date on the packages. However,

manufacturers recommend discarding mascara two to four months after purchase.

The repeated microbial exposure during use by the consumer greatly increases the

risk for infection. Discard mascara once it becomes dry. Never add water, or

even worse, saliva, to moisten it because that adds more bacteria into the

product.

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All-Natural Cosmetics

Cosmetics that are labeled as all-natural have an unusually short shelf life.

According to the FDA, all-natural cosmetic products may contain plant-derived

substances that are favorable to microbial growth. Such products may not contain

preservatives and the consumer needs to be aware of the increased risk of

contamination. The product's safety is highly dependent on how it is stored.

Sunscreen

Though relatively stable, the chemicals in sunscreen can break down and lose

their potency if not properly stored. Exposure to heat and light speeds up the

break down process. Not all sunscreen products are stamped with an expiration

date. Using expired sunscreen products could reduce the sun protection you are

getting. It is recommended to discard a sunscreen product two years after

purchase.

When in Doubt, Throw it Out

According to the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide, if the expiration

date is past by a few years and it is important that the drug is 100 percent

effective, consider buying a new bottle and discard the old one.

The s Hopkins Health Alert advises you to discard any pills that have become

discolored, turned powdery, or smell strong. Discard any liquids that appear

cloudy and tubes of cream that are hardened or cracked. Dispose of any unused

medications that had been prescribed for a previous illness.