Expired over the counter drugs = bad?

[pennylane]

I have some Benadryl that I want to take but it expired awhile ago (over a year ago). Is it harmful to take or is it just not gonna be effective?

 

[imported_cheapdude]

Its fine, just take them.

 

[Boonesmi]

Originally posted by: cheapdude
Its fine, just take them.

same here... ive heard that meds can become either more or less potent after they expire (no sure how true it is)... but anyway... im usually willing to take old stuff (ehhh well maybe if it hits 5yrs or something i might throw it out )

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

You should as a rule never take expired over the counter or prescription drugs. Why? Because hte compounds used in the drugs break down and can form chemicals other than intended.

It's not owrth the risk and the experationsexist for a reason.

 

[fatpat268]

They exist so you buy more product.

But it may depend on the type of medication. I have ibuprofen five years past the expiration date that works just as well as brand new ones.

 

[b0mbrman]

Different drugs "expire" for different reasons, some because they become dangerous, some because they become marginally less effective.

That said, I personally wouldn't without knowing for sure what would happen...

 

[NanoStuff]

Originally posted by: IHateMyJob2004
It's not owrth the risk and the experationsexist for a reason.

Experation sexist? Are you trying to tell us something?

 

[bctbct]

Its like the 3000 mile oil change. Sells more product.

FWIW I believe the military did testing a few years ago and found that many drugs would last up to 10 years.

 

[sandorski]

I dunno, but all my pain killers are expired(OTC Aspirin, prescript Tylenol 3 with Codeine) and I've used both recently to deal with a friggin tooth. Still alive and they worked. Was a little nervous taking them, especially the Tylenol 3s, but would do it again if needed.

 

[Safeway]

The main thing is that the active ingredient degrades over time, so although taking past the expiration date isn't harmful, it is not nearly as effective.

Btw, I asked my pharmacist girlfriend.

 

[timswim78]

Originally posted by: IHateMyJob2004
It's not owrth the risk and the experationsexist for a reason.

Spell check also exists for a reason.

 

[eplebnista]

Originally posted by: timswim78

Originally posted by: IHateMyJob2004
It's not owrth the risk and the experationsexist for a reason.

Spell check also exists for a reason.

Agreed

 

[Slew Foot]

Most expiration dates are set to the point where the drug is at 90% effectiveness.

 

[invidia]

Expiration dates are there to make the consumer think it's bad after the date, making them throw it away to go buy more. I've kept milk a week over their expiration dates, nothing bad has happened so far.

 

[TheGizmo]

Originally posted by: IHateMyJob2004
You should as a rule never take expired over the counter or prescription drugs. Why? Because hte compounds used in the drugs break down and can form chemicals other than intended.

It's not owrth the risk and the experationsexist for a reason.

this is 100% grade F bullshit

edit: drugs may degrade rendering them less effective but they sure as fvck do not turn into different drugs. take one, if it doesnt work toss it. don't take two to account for degrading though.. you have no idea how much potency has been lost