Drug Expiration

[its2much]

Every time I pick up a prescription the expiration date on the pharmacy bottle is exactly one year to the date it was dispensed. I've also heard that drugs don't entirely expired as of the date on the package, i.e. aspirin, cold meds, etc.
Is there anyway to guess/estimate how long that prescribed drug is really effective?

[Curly Girl]

Ask

I know that prescriptions I've filled at CVS always have a one-year expiration date printed on them. That doesn't mean that it's the manufacturer's exp. date. If it's a med you think you'll be holding on to for a bit, just ask when you get it filled for the pharmacist to tell you the expiration date from the original package. I have done this before, and then written it myself on the bottle. Takes out all the guess work.

[futurmil2b]

I work for a OB/Gyn Specialist. I over-heard the head nurse telling someone that meds don't expire. Now I would not use meds that has expired for a year or more.. but a few months yes.. My Baclofen expired according to pharmacy label 10/2012 but I took one yesterday.. but I will call my Neuro for new script.

I have a few boxes of Copaxone.. I think they expired Nov 2012 but I don't think I will use it. Depending on my next MRI I may try Copaxone again. I tried to take it but injecting the right spots and worrying if I was going to have a reaction was a bit much for me...gave me a lot of anxiety each time I did the injection.

I tried it on and off for a few months. But I may try it again.

Ms. Jay

[22cyclist]

Generally drugs start to loose their efficacy at 7 years past their expiration date. This does not apply to compounded medications like the DMDs, or specially mixed meds at the pharmacy. This is because they become unstable past their manufacturers expiration date.

So, cold pills that have expired but are < 8 years old, still good. Cold syrup that is 2 years old, probably time for a new bottle.

Your Copaxone that is one year old...throw it out.

One year old Trileptal...Keep it, take it.

Lisa

[MarkLavelle]

Your Copaxone that is one year old...throw it out.

I think you mean 'dispose of properly' -- there are laws about sharps disposal...