Medications expire because chemical changes to the drug over time may affect the stability or decrease the strength of the drug. An expiration date estimates when the potency of the drug falls below an acceptable limit set by the FDA. The expiration date may also be an estimate of when certain ingredients in the drug change and may be harmful to consume.

There is evidence that some medications may be safe to consume after the expiration date. Even though these may be safe to consume after the expiration date, the drugs may not be as effective due to decreased potency. Also, certain medications have very strict storage requirements and their expiration dates should be strictly followed. Medications that are liquid, like many children’s medications, should not be used past their expiration dates. Other medications that should not be used past their expiration dates include insulin, nitroglycerin, and antibiotics.

So, should I take expired medications?

Although there is evidence that some expired medications are safe to take, the FDA states that “once the expiration date has passed there is no guarantee that the medicine will be safe and effective.”

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Emerging COVID-19 Treatments

COVID-19 continues to remain prevalent and affects people daily across the globe. Fortunately, there are some FDA-approved treatments and Emergency Use Authorization medications available to treat COVID-19. Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) treatments are medications that are not FDA-approved but are allowed to be used under certain conditions in the US.

FDA-approved Treatments

The FDA has approved an antiviral drug called Veklury also known as remdesivir. This drug is administered intravenously (IV) and is for adults and certain children with COVID-19. Remdesivir works by stopping the virus from replicating in the body.

Another drug that is approved by the FDA for certain hospitalized adults is called Olumiant also known as baracitinib. This drug is an oral medication that works as an immune modulator that helps to block the virus from entering and infecting lung cells. Baracitinib is also used as an EUA medication in certain hospitalized children with COVID-19.

Emergency Use Authorization Treatments

There are several treatments available for adults and children called monoclonal antibodies that are IV medications. Monoclonal antibodies work by helping your immune system recognize and respond to the virus.

Two oral medications are available for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19. Both medications are antiviral medications that help to prevent the virus from replicating.

One of the medications is called Paxlovid also known as nirmatrelvir/ritonavir. Paxlovid may be used in adults and children older than 12 years old who weigh at least 88 pounds. The other oral antiviral medication is called Lagevrio also known as molnupiravir. This medication is only used in adults.

Which treatment is right for me?

If you develop symptoms that could be COVID-19, get tested immediately. If you test positive for COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider to see if you are eligible for any treatments. Some people may not qualify for certain treatments. Your healthcare provider will be able to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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Diabetes and Chronic Illness - Fresh Tips on Food Safety

Ellie Wilson

MS, RDN Manager, Lifestyles and Wellness

Living well with a chronic health issue like diabetes is challenging. Prevention is key – enjoying foods that support good blood sugar control and following medication directions enhance long-term health and quality of life. To maximize the benefits of better food choices, be sure good food safety practices are on the menu.

The immune system protects health best when your body is well-nourished. Following food safety and nutrition care guidance should support good diabetes management and healthy immune systems. Diabetes may impact immune function by weakening immune system response, and slowing down digestion, allowing bacteria on food to multiply. Once infection has begun, it can be very difficult to treat. Adults 65 and older with diabetes can be especially vulnerable. Check out the tips and tools you can use to ensure you and your family can navigate successfully prevent food safety concerns.

Know Foodborne Illness Symptoms and Get Medical Care Quickly

Foodborne Illness Symptoms can worsen diabetes/all chronic illness symptoms, including elevating blood sugar and risk of dehydration. If you suspect foodborne illness, call your healthcare provider, or seek emergency care immediately.

Smart Shopping

  • Many shoppers use recycled bags for packing groceries. Be sure to wipe these out or wash them each time you unpack them, with antibacterial wipes or spray and clean paper towels.
  • Meat, seafood and fresh produce should be bagged before placing in a cart or shopping bag, so they don’t become cross-contaminated. If your grocery store limits plastic bags, bring your own clean bags to place foods in – clear bags allow for scanning prices and safe handling.
  • Purchase pasteurized eggs and dairy products and use best-by and sell-by dates to ensure food purchases are fresh.
  • Read labels to be sure foods will meet your needs for enjoyment and diabetes management.

Smart Storage and Prep

  • Go directly home – if travel time is extended, use insulated bags and/or coolers to maintain food temperatures.

As soon as possible after shopping or grocery delivery, get chilled and frozen foods put away safely.

Cool tools available in the grocery store to keep food safe:

  • Clean shopping bags, reusable ice packs, insulated shopping bags, and coolers.
  • Appliance thermometer for the refrigerator – store food at 40 degrees F or lower.
  • Cooking thermometer – find temperature charts to ensure foods are cooked to safe serving temps.
  • Easy-clean plastic cutting boards (some are color-coded for meat, seafood, produce). Use clean knives and utensils while preparing foods, and do not reuse utensils, bowls or plates that have had raw food contact.
  • Hot, soapy water, bleach and antibacterial wipes assist with cleaning cutting boards, utensils, and shopping bags.
  • Moisturizing hand soap – keeping hands clean and skin in good condition are both important to diabetes management. BONUS – Good handwashing reduces risk of of flu, pneumonia, COVID-19, and other high-risk infections for those with chronic health conditions.
  • Store raw and cooked foods safely in regularly cleaned designated refrigerator sections. If any items are damaged or have any indication of spoilage, don’t hesitate to discard. Follow the food safety mantra of “When in doubt, throw it out!”

Stay up to date on food safety issues by checking the webpage, and downloading the food safety app. Find more resources there and at the Partnership for Food Safety website.

References

 https://extension.umd.edu/resource/food-safety-persons-diabetes

https://www.fda.gov/food/people-risk-foodborne-illness/food-safety-older-adults-and-people-cancer-diabetes-hivaids-organ-transplants-and-autoimmune

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