What is the primary concern when using expired medications?

The primary concern when using expired medications is the potential harm to the patient. Expired medications can degrade in quality and may not only lose their effectiveness but also change chemically, which could lead to unexpected side effects or harmful reactions. Medications that have passed their expiration date may not provide the intended therapeutic effect, which is critical for patient health, especially in the case of life-saving medications.

In addition to the lack of effectiveness, certain drugs can break down into toxic compounds over time, posing significant risks to patients. Ensuring that medications are within their expiry dates is a fundamental responsibility in pharmacy practice, as patient safety is always the top priority.

While increased costs or pharmacy operations might be considerations in medication management, they are secondary to the immediate health risks associated with administering expired drugs.