Have you ever stopped to think about the validity of the medications you keep in the bathroom cabinet? We often don't give it that much attention, but it's important to keep an eye on the dates to make sure they're always working as well as possible.
After all, just like those muffins or jar of peanut butter, medicine also has an expiry date. And, unlike food products, going over that deadline can make them less effective.
see more
Is it better to eat boiled eggs for lunch or dinner? Find out here
With me-no-one-can: Meet the plant capable of warding off evil eyes
According to CVS Health Pharmacy Manager Erin Burton, it is critical to verify these dates to ensure the effectiveness of your medications.
After all, did you know that keeping expired medicines or not discarding leftovers can bring risks? Understand more below!
The risks of expired medications
Generally, what happens when a medicine is out of date is the decrease in the effectiveness of the active substance, which gradually disappears over time.
However, if only a few days have passed since the expiry date, then this loss of effectiveness will not be significant and therefore there is no problem in consuming the drug.
But it is worth noting that in some cases, such as chronic treatments or antibiotics, care must be taken, as a failure in effectiveness can compromise the entire treatment.
So keep an eye out for expiration dates on medications, okay? And if you have any questions, always consult a healthcare professional.
How expired drugs can be disposed of safely
Now that you have understood that it is extremely important to check the expiry dates of the medicines that you have in house, precisely so that you don't run the risk of ending up harming yourself with something expired, the main tip is to throw them outside.
But of course there is a correct way to dispose of them. Burton, for example, suggests that you follow a certain procedure. Understand what they are!
Search for a return location
It's super important to dispose of expired medications or medications that you no longer need safely. So, to help, how about finding a drop off location close to pharmacies?
Don't forget to remove all your personal data from the packaging before disposal.
Dispose of medicine in household waste
When disposing of your unwanted items, it's important to dispose of them responsibly.
The tip is to mix them with something you no longer want and place them in a sealed container or bag. So you can throw them in the household waste without any worries.
It is good to remember that this is the most appropriate way to dispose of it, contributing to a healthier environment.
Pay attention to the following points: only prescription drugs, over-the-counter treatments, and liquid medications may be disposed of in household waste.
But it is important to remember that illegal substances, needles or syringes, medical devices or batteries and aerosol cans are not accepted in these places.
But what about inhalers? The good news is that you can dispose of them in your local wastebasket or at a recycling facility so they can be disposed of safely.
Finally, it is recommended to avoid storing medications for a long time, especially those that have already been were opened, as they may undergo changes in their chemical composition and lose their effectiveness more quickly.
Always remember to consult a health professional if you have questions about the use or disposal of medicines, thus ensuring your safety and the preservation of the environment.
