You should be able to google the specific medication to find information about it. That said, most medications* are good long after their expiration date as long as they are stored in the conditions specified (usually in a dark, relatively cool place). It doesn't magically turn into poison - usually it just gradually loses potency over time. So, 3 years past the expiration date it might, for example, have 90% of the original potency but still be usable. But for many drugs they have done specific experiments to measure the amount that it degrades over time and that data should be available with some digging. If taking them is substantially dangerous I would expect that info to be online since plenty of people take expired medication.
*this applies mostly to meds in tablet/capsule form. liquid suspensions tend to be a lot less stable and are probably not reliable in this situation.
*this applies mostly to meds in tablet/capsule form. liquid suspensions tend to be a lot less stable and are probably not reliable in this situation.
Rev346
I’m here but will I still be next year?
- Oct 23, 2023
- 145
When my family member was in pharmacy school they told me that the expiration dates usually mean the drug just isn't as effective. But always good to do some research to make sure it doesn't break down into something that is toxic or completely ineffective.
hi
I've asked this question before and it seems they mostly don't "expire" but can lose efficacy & that mostly comes down to how it's been stored - hidden away in a dark medicine cabinet or in a steamy hot bathroom in daylight?? Storage conditions seemed to be a big factor. And also, if you can pop one out & have a look at it - it should still look "normal" - if it's crumbly or smelly or anything like that, no good. But normal looking ones maybe take more than the recommended or do a trial run first (of just taking the AE to see side effects, not with anything else….) Good luck.
I've asked this question before and it seems they mostly don't "expire" but can lose efficacy & that mostly comes down to how it's been stored - hidden away in a dark medicine cabinet or in a steamy hot bathroom in daylight?? Storage conditions seemed to be a big factor. And also, if you can pop one out & have a look at it - it should still look "normal" - if it's crumbly or smelly or anything like that, no good. But normal looking ones maybe take more than the recommended or do a trial run first (of just taking the AE to see side effects, not with anything else….) Good luck.
