How should facilities handle expired drugs intended for terminal procedures?

Handling expired drugs intended for terminal procedures involves significant considerations regarding the safety and efficacy of medications. Discarding expired drugs immediately is the correct approach because medications can lose potency and may not provide the intended therapeutic effects after their expiration date. Using expired drugs can pose risks to the animals involved, potentially leading to ineffective treatment or adverse reactions.

Moreover, facilities often have strict protocols and regulations in place that ensure the purity and proper use of medical supplies, ensuring that any substances in use are within their shelf life. Storing expired drugs or attempting to use them when no alternatives are available could compromise the integrity of the procedures being performed and may violate regulatory standards. Therefore, immediate disposal aligns with best practices in laboratory animal care and upholds ethical standards in research and treatment protocols.