by Amber C.
Member since:
August 10, 2007

Do you know? I don't.

March 26, 2012 06:11 AM UTC
views: 0 | 10 people recommend this | comments: 26

 My dad ran across some pain medication he had left from his cancer surgery. They are from early 2011. He doesn't need them, but since he has no health insurance I told him to save them in case something came up when he would need them. My question is are they still good? I mean do they "go bad" at a certain point?

Comments: 26

Cindy B. Mar 26, 2012, 6:13am UTC
I have used pain pills that were 6 years old and they didn't do me any harm. I don't think they go bad. =)
Amber C. Mar 26, 2012, 6:31am UTC
Good to know.
Renee (Pres of Baby James Foundation) ~. Mar 26, 2012, 6:39pm UTC
I have as well, not quite that long. They claim a year but still work. Main concern is if he gets put on new medication from that time to the time he takes them later on that won't mix well.
Amber C. Mar 26, 2012, 7:26pm UTC
He only ever takes an OTC allergy medicine, so he should be okay. He hates to take medicine of any kind, even allergy medicine.
♥ Christine aka stine1 ♥ Mar 26, 2012, 6:22am UTC
Mhh, don't they have a best before date on the packaging?

I think you cans till use them. The only thing that could happen is that they are a bit less effective, but I don't think you would notice it.
Amber C. Mar 26, 2012, 6:31am UTC
Thanks!
Cynthia C. Mar 26, 2012, 7:33am UTC
Thank you so much for sharing with Sadies Points
Heather E. Mar 26, 2012, 8:26am UTC
Depending on how they are stored, and what they are, they should be good. Cool dry place for storage. Generally there should be an expiration date on the label, I think. We have used some pain meds and muscle relaxants as much as six years later.
William M. Mar 26, 2012, 8:52am UTC
If they have not had moisture around and have not been in a hot place I would think they would still be OK.
☃ Shannon K. Wendt Mar 26, 2012, 9:20am UTC
Agreed. It depends on how they are stored.
Sandra H. Mar 26, 2012, 9:15am UTC
I would say it would be okay to use them, they just might be a little less effective.
Janie E. Mar 26, 2012, 9:20am UTC
I think ok to use, if they have been kept away from moisture and heat. Like several people have said, it may just lose it's effectiveness.
wendy st. john-devereaux Mar 26, 2012, 9:33am UTC
you can ask a pharmacist if they are ok...just call walgreen's or whereever, and ask to speak to a pharmacist......

most meds look funny if they are old---they change color, tablets might get powdery, capsules might feel sticky....

most meds, as they get older, lose some of their potency.....
Amber C. Mar 26, 2012, 4:26pm UTC
Thanks!
Diane Huizenga Mar 26, 2012, 11:09am UTC
I would google it and see if you can find an answer.
patricia kittilson babcock Mar 26, 2012, 11:13am UTC
i am not sure
John K. Mar 26, 2012, 2:57pm UTC
I think your taking a chance.
connie h. Mar 26, 2012, 8:17pm UTC
I have no idea my meds usually say don't use after this date on them.
FRANK VITALE Mar 27, 2012, 12:30pm UTC
Most Meds. have a shelf life for sure. If not on bottle call your druggist he will let you know!
Steph-in-NE ..... Mar 28, 2012, 10:51am UTC
some are truely different,, pain med not sure,, we clean ours out about every yr,, and only keep 18 months past due
Kat W. Mar 30, 2012, 11:17am UTC
There should be an expiration date on the bottle. I doubt that I would use them if they are past that date.
Matthew A. Mar 30, 2012, 10:53pm UTC
There should be an expiration date on them somewhere
Regina R. Mar 31, 2012, 9:10am UTC
hi dear Ambie I save this stuff as well for emergencies. Still have some meds from that herniated disc time in 2008 and it still works fine when needed. I also dont take a lot of meds apart from the prescribed stuff I really need.
Holly K. Apr 3, 2012, 9:19pm UTC
They usually post an expiration date on the bottle... somebody may have already said that... sorry if this is a repeat.

Join the Conversation
Chime in! Become a Gather member to comment.
Already a member? Sign in
top
 
Gather | Friends | Groups | Share
About Gather | Engagement Marketing | Gather Points | Advertise on Gather | Gather Press | Privacy | Terms of Service | Community Guidelines
Books | Business | Celebs | Entertainment | Family | Food | Giveaways | Health | Money | Moms | News | Politics | Sports | Style | Technology | Travel | Writing
Version 18247, "Zach"; Copyright © 2013 Gather Inc. All rights reserved.