A new study has confirmed the effectiveness and safety of using EpiPen products from Mylan N.V. (NASDAQ:MYL) long after their expiry date. This was revealed through an evaluation of close to 40 unused EpiPens that were returned by patients claiming to be expired. However, it was found that 29 months after expiration, the pens were still valid with nearly 90% of their initial dose of epinephrine.

Nonetheless, according to study lead researcher F. Lee Cantrell, this does not mean that patients should not seek a replacement for an old EpiPen. He advises that it shouldn’t be thrown away of that is all they have though.

Mylan to re-evaluate the expiration date?

The expiration date of a drug is given after an evaluation process, which tests its stability in various conditions. The companies have the opportunity of asking for an extension of the expiration date if necessary but Mylan, the maker of EpiPen says that the dates on its products are usually final.

However, despite all the assurances that EpiPen can be used even after the expiration dates, there is the need for reassessment. Dr. Thomas Casale, an executive VP of the American Academy of Allergy says, “Until those labels are changed, patients are in a bad situation because they’re concerned about having a life-threatening event and not having a medicine that’s effective.”

But it could be necessary to have a larger study

A life-threatening reaction requires immediate attention according to the study author Lee Cantrell. At this point the use of the expired epinephrine is certain to work. The auto-injectors are ideal for food allergies and stings from insects.

Cantrell outlines that a color change is one of the easiest and quickest ways to tell if an item has expired. While replacing pens could turn out to be a costly affair for many, it is strongly recommended to have a larger study. Allergist Dr. Andrew Murphy is of the opinion that patients should not hold off replacing their injector due to economic concerns.

In the meantime, Mylan’s stock closed at $38.01 witnessing an increase of $0.63 or 1.69%.