April is the start of Medication Safety Month, a time to highlight the importance of safe medication practices. From pain relievers to blood pressure medications, many common drugs can lose potency or even become harmful after their expiration dates. Especially for seniors, who often rely on various medications for their health, proper handling of expired drugs is essential.
Medication Expiration Facts
Expiration dates indicate the time frame during which the manufacturer can guarantee the medication's full potency and safety. These dates are determined through stability testing under set conditions to ascertain their optimum performance. The degradation rate varies depending on factors like storage conditions and the type of medication. Ignoring these expiration dates can put your health at risk.
The Risks Associated With Expired Medication
Beyond their expiration date, the chemicals that make up the medication may break down over time. This can lead to a decrease in the drug's potency or a change in its composition. Expired medications may lose their effectiveness. In some cases, they could produce harmful substances, posing potential health risks. This can vary from medication to medication. Always consult your doctor with questions about specific drugs, and never take anything you suspect has expired.
Common Medications Used by Seniors and Their Expiration
Seniors typically use a variety of medications to manage their health conditions. Many older adults take medications for managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. Some also take drugs for pain relief, sleep disorders, and mental health conditions.
When these medications expire, their potency and effectiveness can diminish. Expired blood pressure medications may fail to adequately control blood pressure, while expired diabetes medications may not effectively regulate blood sugar levels.
Taking expired medication may seem harmless. However, beyond the reduced effectiveness, the danger is in the possible adverse side effects. Using expired eye drops may irritate the eyes. Expired aspirin may smell like vinegar - a sign that it is breaking down into acetic acid, which can cause digestive issues. Seniors might be more susceptible to these side effects due to aging and other concurrent health conditions.
Proper Disposal of Expired Medication
Avoid flushing expired drugs down the toilet or throwing them in the trash. It can pose environmental hazards, potentially contaminating the soil and water sources. Instead, look for medication take-back programs in your community. Many pharmacies, healthcare facilities, and local law enforcement agencies offer these programs, allowing for safe and environmentally friendly disposal of expired medications. You can also follow FDA guidelines for safe medication disposal at home. It involves mixing medications with undesirable substances and sealing them in a bag before placing them in the trash.
Contact Senior Helpers for Care and Support Services
Medication safety is paramount to senior health, and understanding the implications of using expired medication is critical to this. For seniors in Chicago who need professional support in maintaining their independence and comfort at home, connect with Senior Helpers North Side Chicago. We provide in-home care solutions for seniors, assisting them with daily living activities, medication reminders, companionship, and more. Contact us to learn more about our services!