Is your medicine cabinet hiding dangerous items? Find out what to toss—and how to do it safely!
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When was the last time you checked your medicine cabinet?
If it’s been a while, you’re not alone!
Many of us have half-used bottles of cough syrup, antibiotic ointments from old injuries, or prescription pills that have long since expired.
But expired medications aren’t just ineffective—they can sometimes be unsafe.
“It’s easy for expired medication to go unnoticed because people aren’t always in the habit of proactively checking their expiration dates,” says Stacia Woodcock, a pharmacist and pharmacy editor at GoodRx.
“Ultimately it doesn’t matter when you do your check-in, as long as you do it regularly.”
Here’s how to safely clean out your medicine cabinet—and restock it with essentials that truly help.
Why expiration dates matter
Expiration dates aren’t arbitrary.
They’re set through clinical studies to show how long a medication remains safe and effective.
Past that date, medications can lose potency—or worse, become contaminated.
This can be dangerous in emergencies.
For example, if someone with asthma uses an expired inhaler, they may not get the full, effective dose they need.
The same goes for expired insulin or nitroglycerin, which are used to manage serious health conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
“That's why it's much better to proactively review your medications and make sure they're always safe and up to date,” Woodcock explains.
Also read: Is your go-to cold medicine on the recall list? The looming ingredient ban that could affect thousands!
When expired medicine might still be safe
The FDA and other sources like the Cleveland Clinic acknowledge that some solid medications—like ibuprofen or acetaminophen—may still retain much of their potency even after the expiration date, especially if stored properly.
One 2019 study even found that many drugs retain a significant amount of their effectiveness years past their expiration, although potency can decline over time.
However, exceptions include:
As a rule of thumb: the longer something has been expired, the more likely it’s lost effectiveness.
And if you’re treating a serious condition, it’s always best to ask your healthcare provider before using an expired medication.
Also read: Taking this medicine might not be safe anymore. Here’s what doctors want you to know
What to toss right away
What might still be okay—but ask first
Where to store your medications (not the bathroom!)
Humidity and heat can break down medication faster, so skip the bathroom cabinet.
“Contrary to the name, the bathroom medicine cabinet is actually a terrible place to keep medications,” Woodcock says.
She recommends a cool, dry place like a kitchen cabinet or hallway closet—and always store medications out of reach of children and pets.
If anything smells strange, has changed color, or feels off—even if it’s not expired—don’t take a chance. Toss it.
Also read: Is America taking too much medicine—and paying the price?
Don’t forget about sunscreen
While you might not think of it as medicine, sunscreen should also be checked regularly.
The FDA requires sunscreens to maintain full strength for at least three years, and if no expiration date is listed, treat it as expired three years after the purchase date.
Store it away from direct sunlight or heat, as these can cause it to degrade faster.
How to safely dispose of expired meds
Here’s how to get rid of old medications properly:
Also read: This man's terminal diagnosis was reversed by "sci-fi" cancer treatment—see how he beat the odds
Restocking your medicine cabinet: the essentials
According to Woodcock, here’s what every home should have:
A quick cabinet check today can go a long way in protecting your health tomorrow.
Whether it’s replacing expired meds, clearing out old ointments, or simply making sure everything is stored safely, these small steps add up.
Taking the time to refresh your medicine cabinet isn’t just good housekeeping—it’s a smart way to stay prepared, stay safe, and take care of the people you love!
Read next: This common kitchen spice could be sabotaging your medications
Have you found expired medications hiding in your cabinets? Got tips for keeping your meds organized or questions about safe disposal? Share your thoughts with us in the comments—because staying safe starts with staying informed!
If it’s been a while, you’re not alone!
Many of us have half-used bottles of cough syrup, antibiotic ointments from old injuries, or prescription pills that have long since expired.
But expired medications aren’t just ineffective—they can sometimes be unsafe.
“It’s easy for expired medication to go unnoticed because people aren’t always in the habit of proactively checking their expiration dates,” says Stacia Woodcock, a pharmacist and pharmacy editor at GoodRx.
“Ultimately it doesn’t matter when you do your check-in, as long as you do it regularly.”
Here’s how to safely clean out your medicine cabinet—and restock it with essentials that truly help.
A quick look through your medicine cabinet could uncover items that are no longer safe to use! Image Source: Pexels / Pixabay.
Why expiration dates matter
Expiration dates aren’t arbitrary.
They’re set through clinical studies to show how long a medication remains safe and effective.
Past that date, medications can lose potency—or worse, become contaminated.
This can be dangerous in emergencies.
For example, if someone with asthma uses an expired inhaler, they may not get the full, effective dose they need.
The same goes for expired insulin or nitroglycerin, which are used to manage serious health conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
“That's why it's much better to proactively review your medications and make sure they're always safe and up to date,” Woodcock explains.
Also read: Is your go-to cold medicine on the recall list? The looming ingredient ban that could affect thousands!
When expired medicine might still be safe
The FDA and other sources like the Cleveland Clinic acknowledge that some solid medications—like ibuprofen or acetaminophen—may still retain much of their potency even after the expiration date, especially if stored properly.
One 2019 study even found that many drugs retain a significant amount of their effectiveness years past their expiration, although potency can decline over time.
However, exceptions include:
- Insulin
- Nitroglycerin
- Liquid antibiotics
- Eye or ear drops (liquids are more likely to grow bacteria)
As a rule of thumb: the longer something has been expired, the more likely it’s lost effectiveness.
And if you’re treating a serious condition, it’s always best to ask your healthcare provider before using an expired medication.
Also read: Taking this medicine might not be safe anymore. Here’s what doctors want you to know
What to toss right away
- Insulin
- Liquid antibiotics
- Nitroglycerin
- Medications that smell, look, or feel “off”
- Anything with an unreadable label or no visible expiration date
- Sunscreen past its expiration—or more than 3 years old
What might still be okay—but ask first
- Solid pills (ibuprofen, acetaminophen) that are just slightly expired and have been stored correctly—but check with your doctor or pharmacist
Where to store your medications (not the bathroom!)
Humidity and heat can break down medication faster, so skip the bathroom cabinet.
“Contrary to the name, the bathroom medicine cabinet is actually a terrible place to keep medications,” Woodcock says.
She recommends a cool, dry place like a kitchen cabinet or hallway closet—and always store medications out of reach of children and pets.
If anything smells strange, has changed color, or feels off—even if it’s not expired—don’t take a chance. Toss it.
Also read: Is America taking too much medicine—and paying the price?
Don’t forget about sunscreen
While you might not think of it as medicine, sunscreen should also be checked regularly.
The FDA requires sunscreens to maintain full strength for at least three years, and if no expiration date is listed, treat it as expired three years after the purchase date.
Store it away from direct sunlight or heat, as these can cause it to degrade faster.
How to safely dispose of expired meds
Here’s how to get rid of old medications properly:
- Medication take-back locations: Many pharmacies and clinics have drop boxes. Woodcock says this is the best method.
- Flushing—only if FDA-approved: The FDA maintains a list of medications that are safe to flush—primarily those that are dangerous if ingested by someone else, such as certain opioids.
- Household trash—with precautions
- If no other options are available:
- Remove pills from containers
- Mix with something unappealing (coffee grounds or kitty litter)
- Seal in a bag before placing in the trash
- Scratch out personal information on labels
Also read: This man's terminal diagnosis was reversed by "sci-fi" cancer treatment—see how he beat the odds
Restocking your medicine cabinet: the essentials
According to Woodcock, here’s what every home should have:
- First aid kit: Bandages, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, ice packs, ace bandages
- Back-up supplies: For chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or allergies—keep items like inhalers, glucose tablets, or epinephrine auto-injectors stocked
- Everyday basics: Over-the-counter pain relievers, cough and cold remedies, antacids, allergy medications
- Fresh sunscreen: Store in a shaded, cool place
A quick cabinet check today can go a long way in protecting your health tomorrow.
Whether it’s replacing expired meds, clearing out old ointments, or simply making sure everything is stored safely, these small steps add up.
Taking the time to refresh your medicine cabinet isn’t just good housekeeping—it’s a smart way to stay prepared, stay safe, and take care of the people you love!
Read next: This common kitchen spice could be sabotaging your medications
Have you found expired medications hiding in your cabinets? Got tips for keeping your meds organized or questions about safe disposal? Share your thoughts with us in the comments—because staying safe starts with staying informed!
