The discovery of a racket in Bengaluru dedicated to the repackaging and resale of expired medicines raises significant concerns about public health and safety. This incident adds to a troubling trend seen across various regions in India, where expired pharmaceuticals have allegedly been circulated back into the market. Many consumers may underestimate the implications of consuming such products, often disregarding the importance of expiry dates.

Medical experts advise that even though not every expired medicine will result in immediate health issues, the risks associated with taking such medications should not be overlooked. Once medicines surpass their labelled expiration dates, manufacturers can no longer guarantee their safety, quality, or effectiveness, which could lead to unforeseen health consequences.

Dr Sfurti Maan, an internal medicine specialist, clarified that while an occasional dose of expired medication may not cause severe harm, the dangers primarily stem from the uncertainty regarding potency and effectiveness. Reduced efficacy can result in delayed treatment for critical conditions, which may pose a greater risk than direct side effects from the medicines themselves.

Potential Loss of Potency and Effectiveness

Manufacturers assign expiry dates to medicines to ensure that they maintain specific standards for strength, quality, and stability, provided they are stored correctly. After the expiration date, medicines can gradually lose their potency, potentially resulting in lower levels of active ingredients. This decline can compromise the intended therapeutic effects, leading to inadequate treatment outcomes. Dr Pradeep Narayan Sahoo pointed out that in many illnesses where timely treatment is essential, the absence of effective medication could hinder recovery and control of the underlying condition.

The duration for which a medicine has been expired, alongside factors such as formulation and storage conditions, can further influence its effectiveness. Individual medicines can deteriorate differently based on their form and environmental exposure. For instance, liquid formulations may deteriorate at a different rate than tablets or capsules, becoming particularly vulnerable to contamination once opened.

Storage practices also play a crucial role in maintaining medicinal quality. High temperatures, humidity, or inadequate packaging can accelerate the degradation of medicines, especially in regions with challenging climates like India. Dr Sahoo reiterated that visual appearance should not be mistaken for efficacy, as a tablet may appear intact while lacking potency.

Consumer Precautions and Best Practices

In light of these emerging concerns, consumers need to exercise prudence when purchasing and using medications. If someone inadvertently takes an expired dose, immediate panic is unwarranted. Instead, they should refrain from taking additional doses and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms arise or if a significant amount of the expired medicine is consumed. Dr Ahuja highlights the importance of providing healthcare providers with detailed information regarding the medicine taken, including its name, expiry date, and the quantity.”

Those who rely on critical medications, such as insulin or antibiotics, should not use them past their expiry dates, as maintaining correct potency is vital. Recent reports of repackaging operations underline the necessity of checking expiry dates diligently. Consumers are advised to carefully examine packaging for any signs of damage or alteration before use.

The overarching message remains clear: once a medicine surpasses its expiry date, its quality cannot be assured. Consumers must remain vigilant and aware of the products they are using to protect their health effectively.”

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share