What should a patient do with an inhaler that is past its expiration date?

Using an inhaler that is past its expiration date is not advisable. Medications can degrade over time, leading to decreased effectiveness, which is especially critical for asthma management where timely and effective treatment is necessary to control symptoms and prevent exacerbations. The active ingredients in the inhaler may no longer work as intended, and relying on expired medication can put a patient’s health at risk during an asthma attack.

Proper disposal is important to ensure that expired medications are not used by anyone who might mistakenly think they are still valid. Replacing the inhaler with a new one ensures that the patient has access to effective treatment when they need it the most. This approach also promotes safety by encouraging regular checking and updating of asthma management plans and supplies.