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I get this question a lot. I will give you a thorough explanation. Yes and no.
1. Are there drugs that are toxic after expiration? Yes, 1 I know of off the top of my head. Tetracycline.
2. Are drugs dangerous after exp? This is nuanced. Let’s start with the yes first...1/ https://twitter.com/esotericcd/status/1322866624710479872
1. Are there drugs that are toxic after expiration? Yes, 1 I know of off the top of my head. Tetracycline.
2. Are drugs dangerous after exp? This is nuanced. Let’s start with the yes first...1/ https://twitter.com/esotericcd/status/1322866624710479872
Cont.) ... drugs lose potency after they have expired. So if it expired in 2010 maybe it’s not 100% maybe it’s 80% potent. Now that is very dangerous if you’re having chest pains and you reach for your NTG and it’s only 80% potent. Or diabetic and your insulin is only 75% potent
Cont).... BUT and this is a big but because it depends on you and what you want to do. With say meds like ibuprofen for pain or Allegra for allergy. You’ll still get some effect, just not 100%. So it’s not dangerous there. You can extrapolate which drugs by those examples.
Cont)...Do I think expiration dates are accurate? Nope. Some are mandated by the FDA, some are mandated by a company policy. Some maybe more profitable reasons. So if it just expired this year. Go ahead take it. Remember my exceptions though. ....
Cont)... if it expired 2-3 years or more ago use your brain. I’m having an anaphylactic rxn should I use this expired epipen. Well hell no one is around, better than nothing but call 911 immediately! Time for my regular insulin here’s some expired insulin. No go to the pharmacy
Cont)....You are the consumer. You decide. But you make that decision with everything in life. Do I wear a seatbelt or a helmet or a mask or a coat. I mean you use your brain. And for the times you’re unsure, ask me! Or someone smarter. Which is everyone else. ~end~
