What is one potential risk associated with using outdated medications?

Using outdated medications poses a risk of decreased potency or altered effects. Medications can degrade over time due to various factors, including exposure to light, moisture, and temperature fluctuations. As a result, the active ingredients may lose their effectiveness, which can prevent the medication from working as intended. Additionally, the breakdown of certain compounds may lead to unexpected side effects or altered pharmacological properties, which can have serious implications for patient safety and treatment outcomes. It's crucial for pharmacy technicians to ensure that medications are within their expiration date to safeguard the efficacy and safety for patients.