How long does it take for Hydrocodone/Vicodin to degrade?

Question

I found a Vicodin from one of my old prescriptions, lying loose in my medicine cabinet. It's several years old. How long before Vicodin expires?

Answer 1

Really...it depends on how old your prescription was, correct. If it was 6 months ago....none. If it was 3 years ago....toss it as it will provide no relief. Go see your MD and get a new Rx.

I was a sales rep for Pfizer years ago and our rule of thumb was that Rx medication (in oral form...not IV/IM) was still 100% effective for 1 year pass the listed expiration date. My territory was in San Diego right down to the boarder of Mexico. I would collect any expired samples from my doctors or in my supply and we would donate them to clinics in Mexico.

Answer 2

Does Vicodin Expire

Answer 3

It technically expires one year after the fill date. I bet if you took it you wouldn't get "high". It has been sitting out too long. But don't take it just in case...no one really knows what could happen to your body. That's why they put dates on meds. I wouldn't want you to get into an emergency situation.

Answer 4

My pharmacist says do not use for longer than one year from filling it. Some pills may lose strength making them much weaker and this can be picked up he said by other pills making them stronger. If one pill ended up with the strength of several it could be dangerous he said. I just asked this recently as I wondered myself.

Answer 5

It will probably be good 10 years from now, according to a govt. study.

http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/770313/many_experts_say_pills_may_work_long_after_expiration_date/index.html?source=r_health

Answer 6

i think a yr or two its still potent i would bet