Can Lianhua Qingwen Granules still be taken one month after the expiration date?

Under normal circumstances, Lianhua Qingwen granules that have expired one month ago should not be consumed. The detailed analysis is as follows:

One month after expiration, the active ingredients in Lianhua Qingwen granules may have already degraded, making them ineffective and unable to achieve the intended therapeutic effect, which could delay recovery from illness. Granular medications are prone to moisture absorption and clumping; after expiration, the risk of microbial contamination significantly increases, and unknown harmful degradation products may form. Once ingested, these substances may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea and diarrhea, or in severe cases, place additional strain on the liver and kidneys. Therefore, it is absolutely unsafe to consume the medication one month past its expiration date.

To ensure safety, store medicines in a cool, dry, and light-protected place. After opening the package, always reseal the bag tightly to prevent dampness. Regularly organize your home medicine cabinet by sorting drugs according to their expiration dates, and clearly mark those nearing expiration. Dispose of expired medications promptly by properly classifying and depositing them at community hazardous waste collection points. Always check both the expiration date and physical appearance of a medication before use; discontinue use immediately if discoloration, unusual odor, or other abnormalities occur—even if still within the labeled shelf life—to maintain a strong defense for medication safety.