What to look for

Expiry dates

If your medicine or ointment has passed its use-by date it's time to replace it. The ingredients lose their effectiveness over time and some may even become harmful.

One-offs

Get rid of any left-over medication you've been prescribed but are no longer using, even if hasn't reached its expiry date. There's always the temptation to use an old medicine for a new problem. It might not be the right treatment and could even make the problem worse. The wrong kind of cough mixture may not relieve your symptoms at all. Taking antibiotics when you don't need them can harm your health.

New for old

The medicine might be out-of-date in more ways than one. New remedies for hay fever and pain relief may be more effective and have fewer side effects than older treatments. Similarly, the dose on the medicine may no longer be appropriate, especially for children.

Sunscreen

The ingredients in sunscreen lose some of their effectiveness over time and high temperatures can hasten their deterioration. If you've been taking your sunscreen to the beach or keeping it in the glove box of your car it's best to replace it next spring. Sunscreen is expensive so it's tempting to stock up at end-of-season sales - but always check the expiry date.

Eye care

Eyes are a vulnerable part of your body and you should be especially careful with eye treatments.

Most eye drops contain a preservative to protect against accidental contamination, which can occur if the dispenser touches your eye or lashes when you have an eye infection. The preservative has a limited effective life so you shouldn't use an eye drop bottle for more than 30 days after opening it. If you need to continue the treatment buy a fresh pack. Eye drops used to lubricate healthy eyes may allow a longer period of use - check the instructions on the bottle.

You should always note the date you first use the drops (write the date on the label). The date on the outer packaging is an indication of the unopened product's shelf life.

Tip: You should wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face if you have an infection such as a cold sore.

Make-up

Check the condition of your cosmetics as well, particularly eye make-up. Bacteria in old mascara or liquid eyeliner could cause eye infections. Lotions and liquids are a friendly environment for bacteria if you apply them with your fingers. There's no problem with dry make-up such as powders, blushers and powdered eye shadow.

If your make-up changes in smell or appearance bin it.

Safe disposal

Don't flush medicines down the toilet. Some, such as antibiotics, hormones or cancer treatments, are harmful to the environment. Ask if your pharmacist will dispose of them safely.

If your pharmacy won't take your expired medicines, wrap them well before putting them in the rubbish. This is so other people can't find and use them.

More from consumer.org.nz

• Pain relievers
• Cold and flu remedies

Report by Bev Frederikson