Can I still take ibuprofen capsules that have expired by 6 months?
Generally speaking, ibuprofen capsules should not be taken six months after their expiration date. The detailed explanation is as follows:
After expiration, the content of the active ingredient in ibuprofen capsules may decrease, potentially reducing their effectiveness in relieving pain, lowering body temperature, or reducing inflammation. Moreover, with the passage of time and the influence of environmental factors, expired ibuprofen capsules may decompose and generate new, harmful substances. These substances could have adverse effects on the human body, such as causing allergic reactions or toxic reactions.
In addition, taking expired ibuprofen capsules might increase gastrointestinal irritation. Since ibuprofen itself has certain side effects, taking expired capsules could exacerbate these adverse reactions, which is detrimental to health.
In daily life, it is recommended to follow the instructions and shelf life indicated on the drug label, and replace expired medications promptly to avoid negative impacts on health. It is also important to store medicines properly, avoiding exposure to high temperatures and humid environments, to reduce the risk of medicine degradation.