Take Drug Expiration Dates Seriously January 28, 2026 Many people may think the expiration date on medicine is similar to the expiration date on canned goods or spices, which could last years after the “best before date” if properly stored. In reality, for user safety, it is always best to properly dispose of expired medications. Every medication has an expiration date printed on the label. This date identifies the point beyond which the medication should not be used. “Most often this date indicates a loss of effectiveness,” said Megan Jones, director of Samaritan’s outpatient pharmacies. “If taken, it could lead to a safety risk because your antibiotic is not effective at eliminating the bacteria causing your infection.” If a person is facing an urgent situation, they should consult a pharmacist or physician before considering the use of an expired medication. “Solid dosage forms tend to last longer than liquid forms,” Jones said. “For example, expired eye drops may be at a higher risk of harboring bacteria and if used, could introduce those bacteria into your irritated eye.” Over time, expired medications can become less effective or contaminated and unsafe to use. Some medications should be carefully monitored and replaced even sooner. “Critical medications or medications that are sensitive to temperature or light should be diligently monitored, evaluated and replaced before they expire,” Jones said. “For instance, it is critical that the EpiPen used for an emergency allergic reaction be fully effective to prevent an anaphylactic event.” Most medications repackaged by a community pharmacy have an expiration date shortened to one year from the date of filling or sooner. This occurs because once a medication is removed from the manufacturer’s original packaging or stored outside recommended conditions, its shelf-life decreases. When storing medication at home, the time-honored bathroom medicine cabinet is often not the best option. “Bathrooms are one of the worst places in your home to store medication because of humidity,” Jones said. “If medications are stored in the refrigerator, they should be kept on the middle shelf, not in the door, due to temperature variations. Most medications with special storage instructions will have those noted on the prescription label and explained by the pharmacist during consultation.” Once medication has expired, most drugs should not be flushed into the local sewage system. There are rare times when the patient may be instructed to flush a drug, however wastewater treatment plants are not designed to remove complex pharmaceutical chemicals. Samaritan retail pharmacies offer drug take-back boxes for expired or unused medications. People can search Home – Safe Drug Disposal – Oregon for the nearest location or to order mail-back supplies. Learn more about Samaritan pharmacy locations, services and programs.
