packed expired medicines still usable???

Question

i have got sealed losec(omeprazole)20 mg capsules.its expiry date is 9 2004.which is quite a long time ago.we had temperatures of about 40 passed as well in summers in rooms .nobody needed it.now that it is needed its of no use.whatwill happen if needed person uses it?is it dangerous or it will not work??

its stated to store below 30* celsius.but i think temp. wont be that high in 40s in iron cupboard.

Answer 1

Definitely NO!
Anything that has an expiry date on it, should not be taken after the the date of expiration.

Whether it is food or especially medication.

Think about what expired milk smells/tastes like, it has definitely gone bad, think about it anything that has gone bad, it can't be good for consumption.

Answer 2

Medicines like omeprazole don't go bad in 2 years. It might be slightly weaker but if still sealed this won't be significant. Some antibiotics can age quickly but sealed omeprazole would still safe to take. If it was five years old, I'd say toss it. The expiration dates are for marketing purposes and medicine that has been properly stored doesn't just automatically go bad after a certain date. If you were ever in the Armed Services you would know that in the past the US army would routinely prescribe RX pills that were years past expiration date.

Answer 3

There are no conclusive studies done on the effects of expired medications. Generally speaking, most medications have a shelf life of about 2 years, some have more, some (like medicated creams) have less of a shelf life.

I would not recommend you take it, for one, the active ingredients in the medication will no longer be useful, but as I said before, with no studies, do you really want to be the first?

It's not worth it.

Answer 4

If I am thinking of the right drug that is the generic for Prilosec. I am not sure of the breakdown of that particular medication, but you should never take an expired medication. Best case scenario it won't work, worst case the break down of the ingredients can change the make up and can actually kill you. Either way just flush them down the toilet and get a new script.

Answer 5

A pharmacist told me as long as medications are kept in the temperature stated on bottle then most can safely be taken up to 18 months past the expiration date.

Answer 6

I'm not sure if Losec is one of them, but some meds actually turn toxic and can harm you if expired. Some actually turn into toxic and poisoneous compounds that can actually do a lot of harm. Best thing is if you have an expired med,do not take it. Just drop it off to your nearest pharmacy and they can destroy it for you.

Answer 7

I take that as well. I don't think it will harm you- it will just be ineffective, so you won't be treating your medical problems. It's like taking a placebo. I would get a new Rx.

Answer 8

the only reason they put expiration dates on pills is because after that date....they are not harmful...they just arent as effective.

Answer 9

Possibly might be dangerous.

Possibly might not work--which in itself might be dangerous, depending

Possibly might be useable--though you mentioned high temperatures.

Why take a chance with your health? Toss them.

Answer 10

some medications need to be refrigerated or contain perishable organic compounds.

use at your own risk.