Take one medicine Out of validity is a more common practice than you think. Many people only realize that the remedy has won just the moment they need it and, in doubt, end up consuming even so. But does this attitude represent a real risk to health?
In this article, we will explain the dangers of using expired medicines and give important guidance on how to store them correctly and how to make the safe disposal of these products.
What are the risks of taking overdue medicine?
Consuming out of expiration date can have a number of consequences, ranging from ineffective treatment to serious adverse reactions. Here are the main risks pointed out by the experts.
Reduced efficacy
According to the pharmacist Raiza Borges, from the artisanal pharmacy in Brasilia, in Interview with Portal Metrópolesthe most frequent risk is the loss of efficacy. This means that the medicine can simply do not have the desired effect, prolonging symptoms or aggravating the disease.
This is especially worrying in cases of antibiotics, where lack of efficacy can result in bacterial resistance.
Chemical changes
Over time, drug chemical components may change, especially when the product is exposed to inadequate storage conditions such as heat and moisture.
According to general practitioner Paulo Camiz, professor at USP and Hospital das Clínicas de São Paulo, to the Metropolis PortalThese chemical reactions can make the medicine unstable or even generate toxic substances.
Toxicity
Although less common, there are cases where overdue medications may become toxic. An example cited often by medical literature is tetracycline antibiotics, which, after maturity, can cause kidney damage.
Contamination
Liquid -shaped medications such as syrups, eye drops and injecting solutions are increased risk of contamination by fungi or bacteria after being overcome even if they are seemingly intact.
Unexpected adverse reactions
Degradation of chemical components can generate adverse reactions that the drug, within the validity, would usually not cause. Chemical instability also makes it difficult to predict what effects the medicine will have on the body.
What can an overdue medicine do in the body?
The effect of an overdue medicine on the body depends on several factors: the type of medicine, the salary time, the storage conditions and the patient’s overall health.
The most immediate risk is ineffective treatment, which can be dangerous in the event of infections, cardiovascular problems or chronic diseases. In addition, experts warn of possible poisoning, gastric irritations and allergic reactions.
Raiza Borges points out that changes in color, smell and texture are clear signs that the drug has already undergone degradation. Even if there is no visible changes, the risk remains. Raiza explains that the shelf life is set after strict tests of stability and safety. After this date, there is no guarantees on the effects of the product.
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Proper storage of medicines is essential to ensure its effectiveness until the expiration date. The pharmacist recommends keeping them in dry, airy and protected places from direct light. Bathrooms and kitchens, for example, are not places indicated due to humidity and temperature variations.
Certain medications have specific requirements: some need to be refrigerated, while others should remain at room temperature. It is also important to respect the expiration date after the opening of certain products, such as insulin, which have a limited time of use after the packaging broke.
When the medicine is overdue, the disposal should be done safely. Playing in ordinary or sink trash can contaminate the soil and water. The guidance is to look for pharmacies and health posts that have collection points for drug discard-popularly known as porridge.
If there are questions, the ideal is to consult a pharmacist. In addition to clarifying the validity, these professionals can guide the correct disposal.
The information present in this text is informative and do not replace the guidance of health professionals. Consult a doctor or expert to evaluate your case.
