This view is incorrect. The expiration date is an important basis for ensuring efficacy and safety, and it cannot be determined whether a drug is usable solely based on "it hasn't spoiled in appearance." After a drug expires, whether its appearance is normal or not, it should no longer be used.

After drugs expire, the content of their active ingredients decreases, making them unable to achieve the expected therapeutic effects. For example, continuing to use expired antibiotics not only fails to effectively kill pathogens but may also delay the treatment of the illness and could potentially lead to the development of bacterial resistance.

The chemical components in expired drugs may also change. For instance, expired aspirin decomposes to produce salicylic acid, which is irritating to the gastric mucosa and may cause symptoms such as gastric bleeding.

Additionally, even if expired drugs appear normal in appearance, there may be issues such as bacterial growth, leading to drug deterioration and creating safety hazards. For example, expired eye drops may harbor bacteria, potentially causing conditions like conjunctivitis or keratitis when used.

Expired drugs need to be handled properly. For example, for expired solid medications, you can take out the pills or capsules, crush them, wrap them in paper, place them in a sealed bag, and then dispose of them as "hazardous waste."