Can Lianhua Qingwen be taken after it has expired?

Under normal circumstances, Lianhua Qingwen should not be taken after its expiration date. The detailed explanation is as follows:

After expiration, the active ingredients in Lianhua Qingwen may decompose and lose effectiveness, thus failing to achieve the intended therapeutic effect and potentially delaying recovery. Meanwhile, expired medication might produce unknown degradation products, which could trigger adverse reactions such as gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic responses when ingested, increasing health risks. Additionally, drug packaging may become damaged or improperly sealed after expiration, leading to moisture absorption or contamination, further compromising medication safety. Therefore, expired Lianhua Qingwen must never be consumed.

When purchasing, always check the production date and shelf life, and buy only what is needed to avoid stockpiling. Store the medicine in a cool, dry, light-protected place, out of reach of children and pets. Regularly organize your home medicine cabinet and promptly dispose of expired medications by properly sorting them into hazardous waste recycling points. Always verify the expiration date and physical appearance of the medicine before use; discontinue use immediately if discoloration, dampness, tablet dissolution, or capsule adhesion is observed—even if still within the labeled shelf life—to ensure medication safety.