FDA Advises Consumers to Safely Dispose of Expired Medications

February 9, 2012 10:51 am Topics: Medication collection program disposal

FDA advises consumers to check expiration dates on medications, and dispose of products that are beyond their expiration date. An online consumer special feature article advises that “expired medical products can be less effective or risky due to a change in chemical composition or decrease in potency.” FDA also reminds consumers that improper storage, such as a humid bathroom cabinet, can also contribute to decreased effectiveness in medications that have not reached their posted expiration date. FDA also provides a consumer video, “Expiration Dates Matter,” to raise awareness about the issue.

Both FDA and the AWAR_xE consumer protection program advise that patients properly dispose of expired medications. The AWAR_xE Web site provides guidelines, including links to FDA resources, for safely disposing of unneeded and expired medications.