Is there any side effect after consuming expired medicine?
Patient: My 7 year-old son had a fever 4 days ago, I gave him an ibufropen 3 times before discovering that the medicine has already expired. Today, he has fever again. I am worried that it might be the effect of the expired medicine. What is the effect of taking in expired medicine. Do I need to take my son to the hospital? Doctor: HiExpired medicines lose their potency and will not be efficacious when used. Otherwise, they do not cause any side effects. Certain preservatives used may cause any allergic reactions or vomiting. In case of such symptoms, the child requires medical examination. You should also use new ibuprofen since fever may not be reduced with an expired drug.Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.  Regards, Dr. Saranya Ramadoss, General & Family Physician