“过期药只是药效差，没变质就能吃”是真的吗？

Core Viewpoint - The National Health Commission emphasizes the risks associated with expired medications, advising against their use due to potential health hazards and ineffective treatment outcomes [1] Group 1: Risks of Expired Medications - Expired medications may have reduced active ingredient content, leading to ineffective treatment and potential delays in recovery, particularly with antibiotics [1] - Chemical changes can occur in expired drugs, such as aspirin breaking down into salicylic acid, which can irritate the stomach lining and cause gastrointestinal bleeding [1] - Even if the appearance of expired medications seems normal, they can harbor bacteria, posing safety risks, such as expired eye drops leading to conjunctivitis or keratitis [1] Group 2: Recommendations for Medication Management - Medications should be stored according to the instructions, with room temperature defined as 10℃ to 30℃, cool storage below 20℃, and refrigeration between 2℃ and 8℃, avoiding freezing [2] - Maintain relative humidity between 35% and 75% to prevent moisture damage, avoiding storage in damp areas like kitchens and bathrooms [3] - Medications should be categorized by type, separating oral from topical medications, adult from children's medications, and storing emergency medications separately [4] - Regular checks on medication expiration dates should be conducted every 3 to 6 months, with immediate disposal of expired or degraded medications; opened medications like eye drops typically have a shorter shelf life of about 4 weeks [4] - For households with children, medication storage should be secured, either locked or placed out of reach, to prevent accidental ingestion [5]