Medical History Mysteries: Is taking expired medications OK?

Is it safe to take medications that are expired? Dr. Tom Viola and I discuss the potential dangers of taking expired drugs (both OTC and prescribed) as well as best practices for our patients and ourselves.
Feb. 9, 2022

Expired meds—can we take them? Dr. Tom Viola says this is a question he gets from so many people—medical doctors, dentists, dental hygienists, and people in the general public.

The answer could be yes or no, depending on the type of drug and how long it has been expired. But the bottom line is, more than likely, the drug is still active to some extent. In general, however, taking expired medications is not a good idea. Why? Do they cause harm? If so, which ones? Can they still be effective?

Join Dr. Tom Viola and me in this episode of Medical History Mysteries as we discuss the potential dangers of taking expired drugs (both OTC and prescribed) and the best practices for our patients and ourselves.

More Medical History Mysteries videos:

Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Through the Loupes newsletter, a publication of the Endeavor Business Media Dental Group. Read more articles and subscribe to Through the Loupes.

About the Author

Pamela Maragliano, DMD

Pamela Maragliano, DMD

Pamela Maragliano, DMD, is the chief editor of Dental Economics. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Maragliano began her clinical career as a dental hygienist. She went on to attend Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her doctorate in dental medicine. She then attended the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dental Medicine, where she became board-certified in prosthodontics. Dr. Maragliano owns a private practice, Salem Dental Arts, and lectures on a variety of clinical topics. You may contact her at [email protected].

Sign up for our eNewsletters
Get the latest news and updates

Related

Lip gloss + dental aerosols = a sticky germ situation
Documentation done right: Safeguarding care and compliance