Naproxen is a widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) available both over-the-counter and by prescription, commonly used to alleviate pain and inflammation from conditions like arthritis and menstrual cramps. Understanding the expiration dates on medications, including naproxen, is important for ensuring both their effectiveness and user safety. These dates are not merely arbitrary suggestions but serve as a manufacturer’s guarantee regarding a drug’s full potency and purity.
Why Medications Expire
Medication expiration dates are a safeguard, rooted in the science of drug stability. Over time, the chemical compounds that make up a drug can degrade due to exposure to factors like air, moisture, light, and temperature fluctuations. This degradation can lead to a decrease in the active ingredient’s concentration, meaning the medication may no longer deliver its intended therapeutic effect.
Beyond losing potency, chemical changes can also result in the formation of new compounds. While many degradation products are harmless, some can be less effective or, in rare instances, potentially harmful. The expiration date reflects the period during which the manufacturer can guarantee the drug retains at least 90% of its stated potency and remains safe when stored under recommended conditions.
What Can Happen If You Take Expired Naproxen
Taking expired naproxen carries the risk of reduced effectiveness. As the active ingredient degrades, the medication may not adequately relieve pain or inflammation, leaving symptoms untreated. This diminished potency is the most common consequence.
Expired medications could also undergo chemical changes, forming new, potentially harmful substances. While some studies suggest naproxen can retain potency beyond its expiration date, these are under controlled conditions. Typical household storage differs, and degradation is unpredictable. Without scientific testing, it is impossible to know the exact state or potency of expired naproxen.
What to Do After Taking Expired Naproxen
If you discover you have taken expired naproxen, it is unlikely to cause immediate severe harm. The main concern is that the medication may not be fully effective. Monitor yourself for any unusual symptoms or if your pain or inflammation is not adequately managed.
Contact a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or pharmacist, for guidance. They can assess your situation and provide specific recommendations. Poison control centers also offer expert advice on medication exposures. Refrain from taking any more of the expired medication and replace it with a new, unexpired supply.
Proper Disposal of Expired Medications
Proper disposal of expired medications helps prevent accidental ingestion, misuse, and environmental contamination. The safest and most recommended methods involve drug take-back programs. These programs, often available at pharmacies, local law enforcement facilities, or through periodic community events, ensure secure disposal. Many pharmacies offer on-site drop-off boxes or kiosks, and some provide prepaid mail-back envelopes.
If a take-back option is not readily available, most expired medications, including naproxen, can be disposed of in household trash with specific precautions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends the following steps:
- Remove drugs from their original containers.
- Mix them with an undesirable substance, such as dirt, cat litter, or used coffee grounds.
- Place this mixture in a sealable bag or container to prevent leakage.
- Throw the sealed container into the trash.
Before discarding original packaging, scratch out all personal information to protect your privacy. Flushing medications down the toilet is generally discouraged due to environmental concerns, unless the medication is on the FDA’s specific “flush list” for highly dangerous drugs.