Is it safe to take expired aspirin?

Expired drugs, such as aspirin, are safe to take in most situations, although they may not be as effective, according to Drugs.com. Patients should replace expired drugs as soon as possible if they take the medication for a heart condition or another chronic medical problem.

While most medications have an expiration date ranging from 12 to 60 months after manufacture, the shelf life is typically much longer, notes Drugs.com. Medications remain stable and retain their potency best when they are kept tightly closed in dark, cool, dry environments. Individuals should not use certain medications past their expiration dates, including tetracycline, insulin, eye drops and refrigerated liquids.