Expiration Dates:
No Appointment Necessary

Aired on Superstation WGN
Saturday, February 26 and April 23, 2005

Show 208

Dr. Lisa Thornton:

So, what about those expiration dates on your medications? How important are they?  And can you still use them after the date has passed?  Walgreens pharmacist Kristin Courchaine tells us more.

Kristin Courchaine, R. Ph:
You should not use the medication beyond the expiration date on the label because the product may have deteriorated. There can be chemical changes in the medication. It may not be safe for you any more. Or it just may not be as potent. Once a patient opens the bottle of medication, that medication is exposed to heat, light, temperature changes, changes in humidity—all of which can affect the medication. The best thing to do to store your medications is to keep them in a cool dry place away from light. I do not recommend keeping your medications in the medicine cabinet, because often those are in the bathroom, which tends to be a warmer and more humid room in the house. And it's not ideal for storing medications. I don't recommend purchasing quantities of medication greater than a 90 day supply. Your doctor may change the prescription before you have an opportunity to use it all. Or the drug product may expire.