UT Southwestern IACUC Policy                                                  IACUC  # 100

Approval Date:___4/30/09___                                                   1 of 1

Expired Drugs and Fluids

Rationale: 

The use of expired drugs and fluids is not acceptable veterinary practice and does not constitute the adequate veterinary care required by the regulations promulgated under the Animal Welfare Act.

Policy:

It is unacceptable to use outdated anesthetics, analgesics, or other pharmacological agents on live animals unless the expired drugs are being used in a terminal procedure.  If an expired drug is being used in a terminal procedure, the bottle must be marked “Expired – Terminal Use Only”.  All controlled substances must be logged and secured regardless of expiration date.  All expired drugs must be disposed of one year after the expiration date.

Applicability:

This policy applies to all drugs and fluids used for animal care and research.

Instructions:

For proper disposal of controlled substances, go to the EH&S website at:

http://www8.utsouthwestern.edu/utsw/cda/dept145569/files/257210.html.

For proper disposal of non-controlled substances, go to the EH&S website at: http://www8.utsouthwestern.edu/utsw/cda/dept145569/files/179494.html.

Contact Information:

For any additional questions concerning this policy, please contact the IACUC Manager at 5-6420.