Help Can you take expired medications?

[Ta555]

Nope, not planning an OD. Just want something to make CTB a little less awful if it ever comes to that. Turns out I have Tramadol and an anti-emetic to go with it but they expired in 2019.

Did some googling and FDA and other sources say to never take expired meds because it's dangerous. However, scientific articles say it's not dangerous (except in a few specific cases like insulin and some antibiotics), it's just that the drugs might be less effective. Not sure what to believe. What do you think??

 

[InezSerrano]

I'm not sure. I assume you should research the specific drug, when I did in the past, it was just a bit less effective, but not harmful.

 

[xcaramel]

Capsules and pressed pills are fine for a long time as long as they are dry. Do not consume/use liquids or eye drops because that's where the contamination is and degradation. The drug industry wants you to throw it out to spend more money but it is fine.

 

[Ta555]

Capsules and pressed pills are fine for a long time as long as they are dry. Do not consume/use liquids or eye drops because that's where the contamination is and degradation. The drug industry wants you to throw it out to spend more money but it is fine.

That's kind of the impression I got from the pharmacy journals!

 

[Nobuses]

I think if u wanna ctb, you have to do it right . No mistakes, taking an expired medication its a risk. If u dont mind taking risks go ahead.

 

[Foresight]

I worked in pharmacy and I asked the best pharmacist I knew this question. He said pills lose their effectiveness.

 

[Ta555]

I worked in pharmacy and I asked the best pharmacist I knew this question. He said pills lose their effectiveness.

Yes, that's what the science says too. But apparently they don't lose their effectiveness nearly as fast as what the stamped expiration date says.

I think if u wanna ctb, you have to do it right . No mistakes, taking an expired medication its a risk. If u dont mind taking risks go ahead.

You didn't really answer the question...