Not Medical Advice: According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, using expired medical products is risky and possibly harmful to your health.
Expired medical products can be less effective or risky due to a change in chemical composition or a decrease in strength. Certain expired medications are at risk of bacterial growth and sub-potent antibiotics can fail to treat infections, leading to more serious illnesses and antibiotic resistance. “Once the expiration date has passed there is no guarantee that the medicine will be safe and effective,” says Ilisa Bernstein, Pharm.D., J.D., Deputy Director of the Office of Compliance in FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “If your medicine has expired, do not use it.”
In addition, many Americans may not be not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse,” according to a statement by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. “Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that many abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.”
Finally, expired medicines are also not just a risk to the person they were prescribed for, and can injure children and pets if taken by mistake. For all these reasons, proper disposal of unneeded medicines is essential.
To learn more about expired meds, visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a central nervous system stimulant. It affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control.
Vyvanse is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and in children who are at least 6 years old.
Vyvanse is also used to treat moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults. This medicine is not to be used for obesity or weight loss.
Tip! Learn How to Dispose Unused Medicines at FDA.