DOHA: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has warned the public not to use expired medications and to strictly follow instructions provided by physicians or written on the label of medication containers.
Senior Consultant Emergency Medicine at HMC, Dr Saad Abdul Fattah Al Nuaimi, said the use of expired medications is potentially dangerous. “People should be especially careful of using expired antibiotics, particularly those prescribed for children, insulin used to control diabetes, allergy medication and nitroglycerin used in the management of some heart conditions,” he said.
According to Dr Al Nuaimi, drug expiration dates specify the time-frame the manufacturer guarantees the full potency and safety of the drug. “This is the period when the medication is fully effective and safe,” he said. “In most cases the validity ranges between 12 to 60 months from the date of manufacture.”
Occupational Safety In-charge at Hamad General Hospital Pharmacy, Dr Omran Khudair, also indicated that the validity of some medications may be reduced once the product is opened. “Eye drops, for example, are effective and safe for use for 14 days after opening,” he said. “The use of eye drops beyond the expiry date may cause inflammation or bacterial infection to the eye. Antibiotic syrups are valid for seven to 10 days after opening the container, while a bottle of insulin is valid for 28 days from the date of first use.”
Patients are also advised to take extra steps when storing medications, as the effectiveness may be impacted.
Recommended storage guidelines include, keep medicines in a cool, dry, secure place out of a child’s reach and ideally in a locked cabinet or box. Ensure containers are tightly closed, keep medication stored in the kitchen away from the stove, sink and any hot appliances and store medications in their original container.
The Peninsula
