Can fever-reducing patches that have expired for one year still be used?

Febrifuge patches, commonly known as cooling patches, generally should not be used if they have expired for one year. Specific details are as follows:

Cooling patches are a physical method used to treat fever. They can be applied to areas such as the forehead or groin to lower the temperature of local blood circulation and thus reduce body temperature. When used within their expiration date, cooling patches are effective in reducing fever. However, using expired cooling patches may result in loss of efficacy and could even pose safety risks. Expired patches may fail to deliver sufficient therapeutic effect and cannot effectively lower body temperature, thereby increasing potential risks to the user. It is important to note that cooling patches are only an auxiliary physical treatment for fever. If a patient's fever persists or worsens, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, medical attention should be sought promptly, and medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or acetaminophen tablets should be used under a doctor’s guidance.

In addition, cooling patches are intended for single-use only and should be applied externally. They must not be taken orally or applied near the eyes, mouth, or nose. They should also not be used on skin with wounds or broken areas.