How many years is unused medication good for?

Question

I know expirations are on the bottles but I have a bottle of folic acid pills and I cant read the date. I should probably toss it but I was just wondering...what's the shelf life on meds and if I used it how potent do you think it would be?

Answer 1

Toss it. If you can't read the label then you've probably had it for some time. meds are usually good for 18 mos. Some don't change at all with age and the date is there only because it is required. Some become less potent and some can become dangerously strong. vitamins should be thrown away within 3 mos of their expiration cillan's like augmentin bicillan get stronger with age and should be tossed after the date on the bottle.

for the most part the date is there for a reason. Toss the bottle it would only cost a few dollars to purchase new folic acid.

Answer 2

I am a pharmacy technician and I can tell you from experience that if you can't read the date and you can't remember when you bought the pills then they might be too old. Ask your pharmacist how long folic acid pills are good for, just call the pharmacy and they will tell you whether or not they are still good. I have a bottle of aspirin, allergy medication, and creams that are all past expiration and basically all these meds will still work but they will just be less potent and less effective. Use your best judgement or consult your pharmacist.

Answer 3

Each medicine has it's own expiration date and most medications are still effective long after this date. It depends on how they are stored and how much light and air they are exposed too. So if your folic acid was kept in a dark, air tight container kept in a cool place it will have lasted longer.

Answer 4

Most expirations on the bottles is for one year.

Answer 5

Pitch it and go by some new ones vitamins and most prescription pills are only viable for about a year.

Answer 6

shelf life is about 1 year

Answer 7

look on the bottle...