Is It Safe to Use Expired Medication?

What are the dangers of using expired medications, and how should expired medications be disposed of?

Like food, medications have expiration dates.  This means that when stored under the proper conditions of light, heat, temperature and moisture, medications will be effective and safe until the expiration date.  After the expiration date, medications may deteriorate and not work as intended and may even be harmful.   If not stored under the proper conditions, medications actually may expire before the expiration date.  Using expired medications is similar to eating spoiled food.  Expired medications should be disposed of in such a way that children and pets do not have access to them.  Pills and liquids can be flushed down the drain or toilet.  Patches also should be flushed down the toilet because the unused or used patch contains enough medication to harm pets and children.