It has been estimated that in excess of $765 billion in healthcare dollars is wasted each year, with discarded medications (due to their listed expiration dates) making up a large chunk of that figure. For example, hospitals throw away an estimated $800 million of unused medication each year. Pharmacies, physician offices and nursing homes add significantly to that number. Given that the U.S. spends between $3.5 and $4 trillion dollars for health care annually, it is estimated that up to 20 percent of this cost could be reduced if things such as expiration dates on medications were extended.
Concerns over expired medications include safety and efficacy, as well as loss of potency or the risk of potential toxic effects if utilized after their expiration date. However, several studies suggest that many medications may be stable and useful for years after the reported expiration date.