Abstract

THE TRUTH ABOUT EXPIRED DRUGS: AN IN-DEPTH REVIEW

Pooja Agrawal*, Virendra Kushwaha, Geeta Singh Rana, B. K. Shoraisham and Sonali Chandra

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Abstract

Drug expiration is the specific date at which a medication may no longer be considered safe for consumption. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that each pharmaceutical product be accompanied by a package leaflet that provides comprehensive information on various aspects, including indications, potential adverse effects, possible interactions, and the expiry date. Since 1979, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has required pharmaceutical producers to include expiration dates on all pharmaceutical products. Research suggests that numerous medications can maintain 90% of their potency for a minimum of five years following the indicated expiration date, and in some cases, even beyond that timeframe. Management of expired pharmaceuticals can be achieved through enhanced inventory management, patient education, and return programs. Proper disposal of expired medications is crucial to prevent potential harm to individuals and the environment. Community pharmacists can play a significant role in managing and providing proper guidance on the appropriate disposal of unwanted and expired medications. Raising awareness on the appropriate disposal of unwanted and expired pharmaceuticals is a shared responsibility between the government, pharmacists, and the pharmaceutical industry.

Keywords: Expired drugs, Expiry date, FDA, WHO, Drugs.