The Iranian Food and Drug Organisation has issued a clear warning to the public that no medicine should be taken after its expiry date, underscoring the role of expiry dates in protecting patient safety. Mohammad Hashemi, the organisation’s spokesman, stressed that these dates are set following detailed scientific studies and international guidelines and are not arbitrary markings on packaging.
Speaking in response to remarks made in an online discussion programme, Hashemi said that expiry dates are a key tool for ensuring the quality, safety and efficacy of medicinal products. “The expiry date is not merely a number on the package; it is the result of rigorous, documented studies and internationally recognised procedures that are approved after careful review by the Food and Drug Organisation,” he said.
Do Not Use Expired Medicines
Hashemi warned that consuming medicines beyond their expiry can put an individual’s health at risk and diminish a product’s therapeutic effect. He explained that expiry dates are calculated using precise scientific methods, and ignoring them constitutes a serious public-health hazard. “Using a drug after its expiry can reduce its effectiveness and may harm the patient,” he said.
While the spokesman acknowledged that certain laboratory studies performed under strictly controlled conditions have found some medications retain partial stability after their printed expiry, he cautioned against extrapolating such findings to everyday use. “Controlled studies may indicate relative stability for some products in laboratory conditions, but this can never be generalised for the public and relying on it could jeopardise health,” Hashemi said.
The organisation urged anyone uncertain about the status of a medication to consult a qualified pharmacist or to refer to official resources from the Ministry of Health and the Food and Drug Organisation. These professionals and sources remain the most reliable guides for safe medicine use, he added.
Beyond the immediate safety concerns, Hashemi’s warning highlights wider issues around medicine storage and disposal. Proper storage conditions, as specified on packaging, help maintain a product’s shelf life. Consumers are advised to check expiry dates regularly, store medicines according to label instructions, and seek guidance from healthcare professionals when in doubt.
Public-health officials also recommend that households dispose of expired medicines responsibly. Pharmacies and health centres can often advise on the safest disposal methods to prevent accidental ingestion or environmental contamination.
In reiterating the organisation’s position, Hashemi conveyed a simple message: adherence to expiry dates is a fundamental element of medication safety. By following these guidelines and consulting authorised sources when questions arise, patients can better protect their health and ensure treatments remain effective.
Key Takeaways:
- Iran’s Food and Drug Organisation emphasises that expiry dates are scientifically determined and must be followed.
- The spokesperson warned that using expired medicines can reduce efficacy and endanger patient safety — do not use expired medicines.
- Laboratory studies may show limited post-expiry stability for some drugs, but this cannot be generalised for public use.
- In case of doubt, consult pharmacists or official Ministry of Health and Food and Drug Organisation guidance.
