Expiration dates on most medicines meaningless

[nobodyspecial]

WARNING: I am not a doctor, nor do I play one on the Internet. I am simply sharing credible information that may help some in these tight economic times. What you opt to do with the information provided is entirely up to you and I am not advocating any course of action. Please kick a few times as a public service.


From Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide:
Most of what is known about drug expiration dates comes from a study conducted by the Food and Drug Administration at the request of the military. With a large and expensive stockpile of drugs, the military faced tossing out and replacing its drugs every few years. What they found from the study is 90% of more than 100 drugs, both prescription and over-the-counter, were perfectly good to use even 15 years after the expiration date.

A rare exception to this may be tetracycline, but the report on this is controversial among researchers.

Excluding nitroglycerin, insulin, and liquid antibiotics, most medications are as long-lasting as the ones tested by the military.
http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/update1103a.shtml

Prescription drugs retained their potency for as long as 40 years after expiration date, an analysis of 14 different compounds showed.

Overall 12 (86%) of the compounds tested at concentrations at least 90% of the labeled amount. Three compounds had concentrations that exceeded labeled amounts, and in two cases laboratory tests showed the compounds had less than 90% of the labeled concentration.
http://www.medpagetoday.com/PublicHealthPolicy/PublicHealth/35214

Studies highlight debate over drug expiration dates
http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2006-12-17/news/0612160536_1_drug-industry-expiration-dates-pills

[marybourg]

1. 3 things I've found that DO lose potency as they near

their expiration date are eye drops for conjunctivitis and over-the-counter antibiotic and cortisone ointments.

[NaturalHigh]

5. Especially the antibiotics.

I don't know about the other two.

When it comes to stuff like Tylenol, though, yeah, the dates don't mean much, especially if they've not been exposed to moisture.

[nobodyspecial]

20. I wouldn't trust anything not in a solid form

It's not the meds so much that go bad but the stabilizers/delivery systems.

[Warpy]

2. There are long expired drugs I'll trust

but nitro tabs and paste, insulin, and many antibiotics are not on the list. Some antibiotics are stable in pill form but not liquid and others are not stable at all and will break down.

Aspirin breaks down, also, and if you smell vinegar when you open a bottle of aspirin, you know it's past its prime.

[Deep13]

3. very true nt

[Autumn]

4. Interesting.n/t

[libodem]

6. Told jah

I love being insufferable when I'm not being adorable. Bats lashes.

[nobodyspecial]

17. I don't know who you are talking to here?

You told me nothing.

[sabbat hunter]

7. another important note

keep medicines out of direct sunlight. There is a reason most prescription meds come in darker bottles, OTC meds come in opaque bottles or blister packs. The exception to that rule is the liquid meds (ie nyquil, peptobismol)

Sunlight can break down meds (and beer, so buy beer in brown bottles or cans!)

[SheilaT]

8. Wouldn't beer keep even better in a keg?

Just asking.

[FarCenter]

21. Keep beer? Why?

[SheilaT]

22. I'm sorry, I didn't make myself clear.

For the duration of whatever time it takes to consume the beer, which is hopefully brief, wouldn't it be better stored in a keg than in cans or bottles?

[madville]

9. I believe it's mainly UV light

My beer fermenters and bottles are usually kept in the pantry with no windows. I usually bottle one in a clear bottle to see the color and clarity, never a difference compared to the brown bottles.

You are correct though, don't leave your beer unprotected in direct sunlight

[nobodyspecial]

18. Yes, storage is definitely an issue

No light or humidity and steady temps best.

[Raine]

10. I've taken them way passed the expiration date. nt

[ZOB]

11. Some antibiotics can actually become toxic over time.

Most drugs are fine or just lose some potency. Unless you do the research, I'd advise staying completely away from expired antibiotics.

[nobodyspecial]

16. The ones that are bad are cited

They are in liquid form or suspensions, like you would give for kids. Stuff like Cipro is highly studied and good forever.

[srican69]

12. Not true ... I need to have crestor (esomaprazole magnesium) 40 mg on a daily basis .. once

i found a bottle in my vanity draw that had expired for about couple months .. not wanting to waste it - I started taking the pills ( as usual about 30 min before my first meal in the morning) .... within a few days I was having severe heartburn ... it gradually subsided once I switched back to my current supply ....

my guess is that - some medications start losing efficacy from day 1 of manufacture esp if the active ingredient has a short half life ..

just my $.02

[yourout]

13. How about Viagra?

[Th1onein]

14. Viagra is different from almost all other medications.

If you find that your Viagra pills are hard, and remain hard for over four hours, consult your physician immediately.

[Liberal_in_LA]

15. good to know

[lonestarnot]

19. eye drops for dry eyes, not so much.