2007-04-20 05:08:58 · 20 answers · asked by ginger ♥ edward cullen 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
Expires just indicates that the full potency is guaranteed up to that date. I have used otc medications months after the expiration date. It will not hurt you but it might not work as well. I have had Tums sitting in the cabinet for years after the expiration date and they still work. If you have aspirin and it smells like vinegar then throw it out.
2007-04-20 05:15:14 · answer #1 · answered by Barkley Hound 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
yeah - it won't crumble away to dust until 12:00 on 5/1/07.
Actually, it should still be good for some unknown period after that - many chemical preparations gradually lose their potency over time as they react with the atmosphere (especially the water vapor in the atmosphere). What the expiration date is saying is that the Advil pills produced in that particular batch should mostly retain full potency until about May 2007. After that time, the pills should gradually lose their effectiveness at some unknown rate, depending on the conditions under which they're stored. They probably will not become harmful, but it's usually better to toss them and get a new bottle (and remember, you're helping the executive officers of the pharmaceutical co. that makes the pills live a fine luxurious life - that should be all the incentive you need...)
2007-04-20 12:19:44 · answer #2 · answered by John R 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The answer is probably yes. It is true that for most drugs the expiration date indicates when the drug is most effective. Although, the people who have answered this question with the potency issue are missing the fact that some drugs chemical composition change over time. Sometimes this change can create unwanted or even dangerous results. I believe Advil is not likely to harm you, but there are drugs that it is dangerous to consume after a certain point. To be absolutely sure, call a pharmacist at your local drug store. They are always willing to help.
2007-04-20 12:20:51 · answer #3 · answered by gregksinger 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you are still in April 2007 and a few days later also will not make any difference.
2007-04-20 13:35:36 · answer #4 · answered by Swamy 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, that means it is good until the last day of April. Even after that it will not be dangerous, just less effective.
2007-04-20 12:17:20 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The expiration date is just a date they are required to put on that says they gaurantee it potency up to that date. It is fine.
2007-04-20 12:17:31 · answer #6 · answered by science teacher 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
yes you will be fine...all the expiration date means is that they havent tested its affectiveness after that period of time has gone by...
in 2001 i had a bottle of asprin that had expired in 1997...i used it all the time and it worked better than any other pain killer i have ever had
2007-04-20 12:12:51 · answer #7 · answered by Tissa 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Probably but it lost some of its potency ... most over the counter pill form (not liquids) medicines do not actually "go bad" but they lose their potency with time ...
2007-04-20 12:13:35 · answer #8 · answered by jbreach 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you can still use your Advil. It is still April.
2007-04-20 12:11:47 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
yes you can still use it. it migth not work as good once it passes the expireration date, but it won't harm you at all. besides it's still April right now.
2007-04-20 12:12:19 · answer #10 · answered by stephanie 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋