PITTSBURGH, May 30 (UPI) -- The quandary of when to discard prescription drugs -- at their expiration date or later, thereby saving money -- has left even experts confused.
For example, a person suffering a migraine headache might take Imitrex. However, pharmacies might advise on the drug's label: "Discard after February 2005." Those tablets cost $16 each, begging the question 'could one still take the medication in May or June?' the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported.
Government tests find some drugs stay fresh for years longer. But while the AMA has urged the pharmaceutical industry to see if consumers are wasting money by discarding drugs still safe and effective, nothing has been done, the Post-Gazette reported.
The Food and Drug Administration reports many drugs remain safe and effective long after the manufacturer's expiration date if properly stored in the original container. But the FDA says once the original container is opened and exposed to unpredictable environments, it's difficult to predict a drug's effectiveness or safety.
Although health insurers spend heavily on prescription drug benefits, they have not joined the AMA in urging research on the matter. The Post-Gazette said spokesmen for Aetna and Wellpoint, for instance, didn't even respond to requests for comment.
