Got expired medication in the cupboard? Here's how to get rid of it safely

Pippa Hudson is joined by Johannes Ravele, president of the South African Association of Community Pharmacists.

Be honest, how often do you really clear out your medicine box or cabinet at home?

It's likely something an awful lot of us are guilty of, inadvertently hoarding old and expired medications.

But once we've identified that a medicine is past it expiration date, is it safe to simply flush it down the loo or throw it out in the trash?

Pippa Hudson poses the question to the president of the South African Association of Community Pharmacists, Johannes Ravele.

Is it safe to take expired medication?

"The expired medication can either be more effective and more dangerous and illicit results that are not desirable...or they can be weak and not be effective."

Johannes Ravele, President - South African Association of Community Pharmacists 

I've thrown the medication box away, where can I find the expiry date for the meds?

"The box itself should have a batch number and the expiry date. When you throw the box away, the blister packs should also have the batch number, together with the expiry date."

Johannes Ravele, President - South African Association of Community Pharmacists 

Do some medications have a shorter shelf life than others?

"The first thing that comes to mind is eye drops. Once opened they should be disposed of within 30 days."

Johannes Ravele, President - South African Association of Community Pharmacists 

How do I dispose of medication responsibly?

"Take it back to the hospital or pharmacy where they dispensed the medication. The pharmacist knows how to dispose of such medication responsibly. We have protocols that we follow."

Johannes Ravele, President - South African Association of Community Pharmacists 

"It is not safe to flush your medication because it contaminates our water system. Throwing it in the dustbin...we know kids, kids are quite curious, they may want to find out what to do with this medication, we are trying to avoid danger."

Johannes Ravele, President - South African Association of Community Pharmacists