Quick answers
Taking expired Concerta can potentially be risky and lead to decreased effectiveness or side effects. The medication may break down over time and not work as intended. It’s best to avoid taking expired Concerta if possible.
Concerta is a commonly prescribed stimulant medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It contains the active drug methylphenidate, which improves focus and concentration in people with ADHD. Concerta is an extended-release formulation, meaning the medication is released slowly over the course of the day to provide long-lasting symptom relief.
Concerta tablets and other medications do have expiration dates printed on their bottles that indicate the date beyond which the drug manufacturer no longer guarantees the product will be optimally effective. For many drugs, expiration dates tend to be somewhat conservative. However, Concerta may be more sensitive to degradation over time compared to other medications.
Taking expired Concerta could potentially lead to the drug having less potency than expected or not working as intended. There is limited research specifically on expired Concerta, but studies on expired drugs in general have found decreased effectiveness in some cases. Using degraded medications can also potentially result in unexpected side effects.
Factors that affect drug expiration
Several factors can influence how long a medication remains stable and effective after its expiration date:
- Drug formulation – Concerta uses an osmotic release system that may be more likely to malfunction if expired.
- Storage conditions – Heat, humidity, and exposure to light can accelerate breakdown of chemicals.
- Container integrity – Tablets stored in damaged containers are more exposed to elements.
- Duration expired – The longer past its expiration date, the less stable a drug typically is.
Due to its unique extended-release mechanism, Concerta may be more prone to losing effectiveness when taken after its expiration date compared to immediate-release methylphenidate formulations like Ritalin. However, this depends on factors like how long expired and storage conditions.
Degraded effectiveness
The active ingredient methylphenidate is susceptible to chemical breakdown over time, especially in improper storage conditions. Taking an expired Concerta tablet could mean getting a lower dose of methylphenidate than intended.
One study tested expired medications that were 28 to 40 months out-of-date and found they contained on average 90% of their original active ingredients. However, there was significant variation between different drugs. Some degraded much faster than others.
With a lower methylphenidate dose from an expired tablet, the beneficial effects of Concerta could be reduced. It may not help concentration, focus, and ADHD symptoms as much as expected. The extended-release mechanism could also be compromised, causing less steady symptom relief.
Lower effectiveness risks
- Weaker effect on ADHD symptoms
- Shorter duration of symptom relief
- Inconsistent concentration and focus
- Need for higher doses to get desired effect
Potential side effects
In addition to not working as well, expired Concerta could potentially lead to side effects. When a drug degrades, it can create breakdown products that the body may react to. This is more likely if the medication is well past its expiration date.
The osmotic release system of Concerta could also malfunction and release medication unevenly or too quickly if the tablet is expired. This could increase the risk of stimulant side effects.
One report described a teenager who experienced profuse sweating and tremors after taking Concerta that was 14 months expired. The delayed-release mechanism was thought to have broken down.
Possible side effect risks
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Digestive issues
- Changes in heart rate or blood pressure
- Anxiety or irritability
- Skin rash
Serious side effects are unlikely from small amounts of degraded medication. But large doses could increase health risks. Each person may also react differently based on factors like their age, medical history, and more.
Recommendations for expired Concerta
It is best to avoid knowingly taking Concerta that is past its expiration date when possible. Follow these recommendations if you have expired Concerta:
Check with your pharmacist or doctor
A pharmacy or medical professional can look at the medication specifics like the formulation, storage, and how long expired. They can best advise if it may still be suitable to take.
Properly discard medication if doubtful
If advice is unclear or it seems the Concerta is too degraded, go ahead and safely dispose of it. Find a prescription drug take-back program or mix with an unpalatable substance before throwing away.
Obtain a fresh prescription
Go to your doctor to get a new Concerta prescription. Most insurance plans will cover the cost of replacing expired medication. Taking your unused expired tablets to your pharmacy can help with documentation.
Monitor effects closely if taking
If advised the expired Concerta is likely still safe to take, monitor yourself closely for reduced effectiveness or side effects. Stop taking it if you notice anything unexpected.
Signs medication may be expired
Look for these possible signs your Concerta tablets may be expired and degraded:
- The expiration date printed on bottle has passed
- The medication smells different, looks discolored or powdery
- The tablet coating appears cracked or damaged
- The tablets are softer or crumbling easily
Storage conditions that increase expiration risk:
- Stored at high temperatures or humidity
- Container has been opened or damaged
- Exposed to moisture or sunlight
- Past manufacturer’s recommended shelf life
If your Concerta is expired but has been stored in a cool, dry place in its original tight container, it may still be fine to take. But be cautious if it shows any signs of degradation.
How long does Concerta last?
The manufacturer’s recommended shelf life for Concerta is 27 months when stored properly at controlled room temperature. After this time period, they no longer guarantee expected potency and safety.
However, Concerta tablets may start to lose effectiveness sooner if not stored correctly. Heat, humidity, and exposure to light and air can accelerate the breakdown of methylphenidate and the special release mechanism.
One study tested Concerta tablets that were up to 6 years expired. The average active ingredient loss was about 15% compared to when newly manufactured. So while not ideal, reasonably stored Concerta can still retain much of its potency for some time.
Typical Concerta expiration timelines
- Exact shelf life: 27 months per manufacturer
- Likely effective if stored properly: 2-3 years
- Questionable effectiveness: 3-5 years expired
- Likely degraded: Over 5 years expired
Again, these timelines serve only as general guidelines. Many factors like temperature and container condition also impact degradation rate and expiration risk.
Risks factors of taking expired Concerta
Several factors can influence the risks and potential dangers of taking expired Concerta:
How long expired
The longer a medication is expired, the more chemical degradation is likely to occur. Concerta expired last month poses less risk than tablets expired 5 years ago.
Storage conditions
Heat, humidity, sunlight exposure, and a damaged container all accelerate breakdown. Tightly sealed bottles stored in a cool, dark place prolong stability.
Dosage consumed
Taking large doses of severely degraded Concerta increases safety risks. Small, infrequent doses of tablets stored properly carry lower chance of issues.
Health conditions
Those with chronic medical conditions, taking additional medications, or more sensitive to side effects may be at higher risk for problems from degraded drugs.
Age
Children and older adults may face higher risks from expired medications compared to healthy teens and younger adults.
Carefully considering these factors can help evaluate the risks vs potential benefits if considering taking expired Concerta.
How to store Concerta correctly
Follow these storage practices to help keep your Concerta tablets effective and stable for as long as possible:
- Tightly closed container – Keep tablets sealed in original bottle to avoid moisture and air exposure.
- Controlled room temperature – Store at around 68-77°F, avoiding temperature extremes.
- Cool, dry place – Avoid high humidity like bathrooms or kitchens.
- No sunlight – Keep out of direct light, which can degrade ingredients.
- Consistent conditions – Variations in temperature and humidity also impact stability.
An intact Concerta tablet should appear clean and free of powder, with no cracks or chips in the outer coating. Discard immediately if you observe signs of damage or deterioration.
Refrigerating Concerta can extend shelf life but is not required if stored normally. However, medicine cabinet bathroom conditions of heat and moisture should be avoided.
Disposing of expired Concerta
To safely dispose of expired or unneeded Concerta, there are a few recommended methods:
Prescription drug take-back programs
Many pharmacies, health centers, and police stations offer free drop boxes for drug disposal. This ensures medications won’t end up in landfills or water.
Mixing with unpalatable substance
For home disposal, mix tablets with dirt, kitty litter, or used coffee grounds before sealing in a bag and throwing away to make less appealing for accidental ingestion.
Flushing down toilet
The FDA approves flushing stimulant medications like Concerta as an emergency disposal method to avoid misuse. Avoid regular flushing which can contaminate water. Tape tablets before flushing to prevent retrieval.
Make sure to scratch out any personal information on the prescription bottle before recycling or throwing away to protect privacy.
Frequently asked questions
Is it dangerous to take expired Concerta?
Taking expired Concerta can potentially be dangerous, but the risks depend on factors like how long expired and storage conditions. If expired only a short time beyond the labeled date and stored properly, it is less risky. But Concerta more than 2 years expired or improperly stored may pose higher dangers of side effects or toxicity if taken in large doses.
Can expired Concerta make you sick?
Expired Concerta is unlikely to make you seriously ill if taken in normal therapeutic dosages. But it may cause nausea, headache, or dizziness in some people as side effects, especially if heavily degraded. The risks increase if you take very high doses of expired medication.
Will expired Concerta still work?
Expired Concerta stored correctly in its original bottle may still provide some effectiveness, but likely less than when it was newly dispensed. If expired for many years or stored poorly, Concerta may provide little benefit due to degraded ingredients and altered release mechanism.
Is it illegal to take or possess expired prescription drugs?
No, there are no laws prohibiting possession or use of expired prescription medications. Taking expired drugs like Concerta in normal amounts is not illegal. But selling degraded, adulterated medications is prohibited.
The bottom line
Taking expired Concerta comes with some risks and uncertainties. For best results, try to use medication before its expiration date. If you have no choice but to take degraded Concerta, consult a pharmacist first and closely monitor effects. Never take Concerta that is very old, damaged, or stored improperly, which increases danger risks. Be aware aged Concerta may lose potency or cause unpredictable side effects.
