RE: [e-drug] Can expired drug still can be used? (13)

e-drug
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E-DRUG: Can expired drug still can be used? (13)
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Dear friends,

I can only say "Hear, hear!" to Atieno's contribution, and remind
colleagues that we've through this subject before, and it's probably
best to look into the archive for past comments. I'd guess that those
comments may not be any different to what contributors will make to
this current question. Atieno refers to public perspection. Let's not
forget that the mere mention of a health officer supplying expired
drugs would, in some countries, result in one being rounded up and
placed against a wall.. and we know that this sort of thing can
happen.

So, I'd suggest we focus on good procurement planning that
involves true forecasting of need, and working very closely with the
sources of those products (either the wholesaler or the manufacturer).

We also need to accept the fact that things will go bad (stock will
run out, consumption may be less than expected, etc), and hopefully
accomodate those events.

Finally, on a candid note, let's all ask Atieno and see how she
answers the question "How..?" (she's at school at the moment. so this
should be easy for her!)

Regards,

Bonnie
Bonface Fundafunda PhD, MBA, B.Pharm(Hon)
21 Beverstone Road,
Thornton Heath,
Surrey CR7 7LL
England

[1]bfundafunda@unicef.org)
[2]Get ready for school! Find articles, homework help and more in the
Back to School Guide!

References

1. mailto:bfundafunda@unicef.org
2. http://g.msn.com/8HMBENUS/2743??PS=47575

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E-DRUG: Can expired drug still can be used? (14)
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Of course many medicines are effective after the expiry date. But......

Many medicinal substances have everlasting medicinal properties. But active substance is not the only factor behind an expiry date. The excipients, the packaging material, and the information on the package are all factors that can be outdated.

When deciding whether an outdated package can be used, all these factors should be evaluated, as well as the physical history of this particular package.

In fact, it is a basic principle that the first element to be outdated on a medicine package should be the expiry date itself.

It is also important to realise that that expiry date is not telling how long the medicine is effective. The expiry date is a legal statement where the manufacturer takes (or should take) responsibility/liability for its validity.

Whoever decides for others to use a medicine after the expiry date, takes over this responsibility. The package should show a new expiry date, and also the identity of the person/institution responsible for this decision.

General statements about medicines being good three years after expiry date, are wrong and harmful. The higher position this comes from, the worse.

best regards

Stein Lyftingsmo
Hospital Pharmacy of Elverum
Norway
www.lyftingsmo.no
stein@lyftingsmo.no