What are the potential consequences of dispensing expired medications?

Dispensing expired medications can lead to potential harm to patients due to reduced efficacy or harmful effects. Medications have specific expiry dates that indicate the time frame during which they are expected to maintain their intended strength and safety. After this date, the chemical composition of the medication may change, leading to degradation and reduced effectiveness, which means patients might not receive the intended therapeutic benefits.

Additionally, some expired medications can potentially break down into toxic compounds, posing serious risks to patient health. This is particularly significant in the case of critical medications, where even a slight reduction in efficacy can have serious implications for health outcomes. Thus, ensuring that only medications within their expiration date are dispensed is essential for patient safety and effective treatment.