Expired Aspirin: What Should You Do?

It is a common question whether expired aspirin is still safe to use. Understanding how expiration dates affect medications, especially those like aspirin, can help you make informed decisions about your health.

Is Expired Aspirin Safe to Use?

The safety and effectiveness of aspirin (or any medication) after its expiration date can be surprising. Here’s what you need to know:

An Ounce of Precaution

When an expired aspirin smells strongly of vinegar, it's time to discard it. An acetic smell indicates the medication has degraded and is likely ineffective. It's always best to err on the side of caution and replace it with a freshly dated aspirin.

Understanding Expiry Dates

The expiration date on a medication does not indicate a precise moment when the drug becomes completely ineffective or unsafe. Most reputable sources, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have conducted studies. According to their findings, over 90% of more than 100 drugs, both prescription and over-the-counter, can be used safely even up to 15 years after the expiration date.

Medical authorities generally advise that expired medicine is safe to take, even if it’s been years since the expiration date. However, there are rare exceptions. Tetracycline, for instance, is one drug that may have issues, but researchers are still divided on how safe it truly is.

Factors Affecting Drug Stability

While the effectiveness of a drug may decrease over time, the original potency usually remains strong even a decade after the expiration date. Keeping a medication in a cool place, such as a refrigerator, can further extend its useful life. Nitroglycerin, insulin, and liquid antibiotics are exceptions and should always be replaced before their expiration dates.

General Medication Handling Guidelines

Medicines should not be taken after their expiration date. Always check the expiry date before using a medicine and ensure it has been stored correctly as per the packaging instructions.

For aspirin specifically, the typical expiration date is 2 to 3 years from the date of purchase. If the aspirin is out of date or shows signs of degradation, such as a vinegar smell, it is best to discard it.

Conclusion

While most medications, including aspirin, can remain effective for years after their expiration date, it’s crucial to be cautious. Always follow the storage guidelines and check expiry dates regularly. Although expired medications might still work, it is safer to replace them with new ones to ensure both efficacy and safety.