Pharmacists warn expired medicines pose risks in Nigeria

Pharmacists in Nigeria have issued warnings that expired medicines can be as dangerous as counterfeit drugs, potentially leading to treatment failure, organ damage, or death. Experts note that once a drug passes its expiry date, the quantity of active ingredients may decrease depending on storage conditions, which can reduce therapeutic effectiveness and worsen serious illnesses.

In some cases, expired active ingredients may even become toxic. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises against using expired products due to potency loss during degradation and recommends safe disposal methods.

In Nigeria, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) provides specific guidelines for handling and disposing of unwholesome and expired regulated products. Health professionals urge the public to check expiry dates, ensure proper storage, and only purchase medications from approved pharmacies to avoid the risks associated with both fake and expired drugs.