After a long day at work, you might find a throbbing headache setting in. You reach into your medicine cabinet for some ibuprofen, only to discover it’s past its expiration date. Should you still take it? Since 1979, regulations have mandated that all medications, prescription or over-the-counter, include an expiration date (as noted by Harvard Health Publishing), and ibuprofen is no exception.
Ibuprofen belongs to a category of medications known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. According to WebMD, it functions by inhibiting your body’s production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation. This makes ibuprofen a viable treatment for headaches, menstrual cramps, fever, muscle aches, pain, and alleviating symptoms of the common cold. Some well-known ibuprofen brands include Advil, Nuprin, and Motrin.
Although ibuprofen does expire, Dr. Jack Springer shared with Insider that the expiration date isn’t a strict indicator of when the medication becomes ineffective or unsafe. You might find that ibuprofen up to four or five years past its expiration still provides relief, albeit potentially less effectively than non-expired ibuprofen.
The Journal of Pharmaceutical and BioMedical Analysis performed a systematic review of drug potency beyond their expiration dates, concluding that many drugs could have their expiry dates extended well beyond five years.
How you store ibuprofen matters
Understanding proper storage for ibuprofen is key to maintaining its effectiveness. While medicine cabinets are a go-to for drug storage, moisture from showers can degrade medications, as highlighted by Medline Plus. Exposure to light, leaving the original cotton ball inside the bottle, and excessive heat can also accelerate degradation. It’s best to store medications in a cool, dry environment.
Dr. Aran Maree, chief medical officer at Janssen Pharmaceuticals, emphasized in an interview with Johnson & Johnson that manufacturers test their medications under controlled temperature and humidity. The expiration date reflects these conditions, reinforcing the importance of adhering to storage guidelines provided on the bottle or by your pharmacist.
Instead of the medicine cabinet, consider a cool and dry place for storing medications. Remember that certain expired medications can pose health risks (as noted by GoodRx). If you have concerns, consult your physician and dispose of expired medications safely.
What about expired liquid ibuprofen?
Dr. Kim Langdon, a clinical adviser at Medzino, informed Insider about specific concerns regarding liquid ibuprofen’s expiration. She noted that liquid medications have a higher risk of contamination over time. Nursing Times explains that transferring medication from one container to another, such as pouring it into a measuring spoon, can introduce airborne microbes. To prevent contamination, ConsumerMedSafety suggests washing measuring devices after use and discarding any excess medicine accidentally dispensed.
Langdon emphasized that the primary concern is the loss of potency over time. While this isn’t a safety issue, it can diminish the medication’s effectiveness. She advises storing liquid ibuprofen in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Medline Plus specifies that it should be stored at room temperature.
How to dispose of expired ibuprofen
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends participating in a drug take-back program as one method for disposing of expired ibuprofen. Many of these programs are sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) or local communities. Your local law enforcement agency can provide more information on available options. Pharmacies may also offer drop-off boxes or mail-back services for expired medications.
According to the ibuprofen brand Advil, if take-back programs are unavailable, avoid flushing medications unless explicitly permitted by the packaging. Instead, mix the medication with unappealing substances like kitty litter or used coffee grounds before disposing of it in the trash.
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