The Dos and Don'ts of Expired Drugs

Using an expired drug is probably ok if you have a minor health issue such as a headache or sinus trouble.

If your condition is serious, don't chance it.

Many medicines, especially tablets and capsules, have a shelf life well beyond the date on the bottle, experts say.

"The reality is that because these expiration dates are so conservative probably even five to 10 years from the time of the expiration date a person can try still using their product," said Dr. Sharon

Bergquist with Emory School of Medicine.

Manufactures guarantee their drugs will be safe and fully effective up until the expiration date, which is usually one to five years after it's produced.

"But even with medications that are long expired the amount of effectiveness is usually over 90 percent," Dr. Bergquist said.

There are certain medicines, however, that should not be used beyond the expiration date because they treat chronic conditions such as heart disease or diabetes where 100 percent potency is crucial.

"Nitroglycerin, which quickly loses its effectiveness after you open the bottle, insulin, vaccines, suspension type antibiotics that you have to refrigerate, eye drops that are kept in a preservative bottle," said Dr. Bergquist.

To help your meds stand the test of time, store them in a cool dry place away from sunlight and in their original containers.