Policy on the Use of Expired Drugs and Medical Materials

This policy defines the expectations for the appropriate use and storage of expired drugs and medical materials in alignment with the USDA Animal Welfare Regulations Animal Care Policy #3 on Veterinary Care.

This policy applies to research, teaching, and testing activities involving animals, conducted under the auspices of the U-M. It applies to field research and all campus locations, including Ann Arbor, Flint, and Dearborn.

1. Expired anesthetic, analgesic, and drugs used for euthanasia cannot be administered to or used in animals for any experimental or veterinary procedure.
2. Other expired medical materials (e.g., suture, fluids, etc.) can be used for non-recovery procedures, provided that their usage does not adversely affect the animal’s well-being or compromise the validity of the scientific study.
3. Expired drugs or materials should be:
   1. Clearly labeled (e.g. “Expired: non-recovery use only”).
   2. Stored separately to avoid accidental use in recovery procedures.
   3. If expired drugs are controlled substances, they must be stored securely according to U-M requirements and State of Michigan and DEA regulations. More information on controlled substances can be found at https://research-compliance.umich.edu/maintain-security-storage-controls.

The provisions of this policy are under the direction and oversight of the U-M’s IACUC. The IACUC will, if necessary, suspend research or implement sanctions if policy infractions should occur.