Hydrocortisone cream is a common over-the-counter and prescription medication used to address various skin conditions. It is a topical corticosteroid designed to lessen inflammation, redness, itching, and rashes associated with issues like eczema, dermatitis, and insect bites. This cream works by reducing the immune system’s response in the skin, thereby calming inflammation.
Why Medications Expire
All medications, including topical creams, are assigned expiration dates by manufacturers. These dates signify the period during which the product is guaranteed to maintain its full potency, safety, and quality when stored as directed. Manufacturers conduct drug stability studies to determine this shelf life, ensuring active ingredients remain effective and do not degrade into harmful compounds.
How Hydrocortisone Cream Changes Over Time
Once hydrocortisone cream passes its expiration date, its chemical and physical properties can change. The active ingredient, hydrocortisone, can degrade over time, leading to a reduction in its potency and effectiveness. Inactive ingredients may also undergo changes, potentially affecting the product’s consistency, color, or smell.
Physical alterations might include the cream becoming watery, gritty, or separating into distinct layers. The preservative system designed to prevent microbial growth can also degrade, increasing the risk of bacterial or fungal contamination. This contamination can occur if the cream has been opened and exposed to air.
What Could Happen When You Apply Expired Cream
Applying expired hydrocortisone cream primarily carries the risk of reduced effectiveness. The degraded active ingredient may render the cream less potent or entirely ineffective, meaning the inflammation or itchiness might not improve or could even worsen. This lack of efficacy could delay proper treatment, potentially prolonging skin irritation.
There is also a possibility of adverse skin reactions. Changes in the cream’s inactive ingredients or the presence of microbial contaminants could lead to irritation, redness, burning, stinging, or allergic reactions on the skin. While severe systemic effects are unlikely with topical hydrocortisone, localized skin reactions are a potential concern. If any adverse reactions occur, or if the skin condition does not improve, it is advisable to stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Storing and Disposing of Hydrocortisone Cream
Proper storage helps maintain hydrocortisone cream’s stability and effectiveness until its expiration date. It should be stored at room temperature, typically between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C), away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Keeping the container tightly sealed when not in use helps protect the cream from environmental factors. Avoid storing it in humid environments like a bathroom medicine cabinet, as dampness can compromise its stability.
Dispose of expired or unused hydrocortisone cream responsibly. The best method is to utilize drug take-back programs, often available at local pharmacies or police stations. If a take-back program is not accessible, most medicines, including creams, can be disposed of in household trash. To do this, remove the cream from its original container, mix it with an unappealing substance like dirt, cat litter, or used coffee grounds, and place the mixture in a sealed bag or container before discarding it. Flushing medications down the toilet is generally not recommended unless specifically instructed by the FDA for certain high-risk drugs.