Expired OTC drugs (story)

[Paula Lynn]

When in doubt, pitch it out is my saying ...........

[mystree]

I would use them if they we expired only a few months.

[mystree]

I would use them if they were expired only a few months.

[Ohiogirl81]

Originally Posted by fuzzymystic

And please don't tell me my deoderant expired!

That's an easy one. It expires the very second you're placed in a stressful situation. In my case, that would be morning traffic!

[motormaker]

Originally Posted by AksarbeN

I’m confused now with were to dump drugs? Some of the landfills that the garbage is taken to have critters that eat there. I wonder if a hospital pharmacy takes them back or will have an idea of how to dispose of them.

I don’t know where it’s been so I can’t tell you where to dispose of it! Mercury shouldn't be tossed away either. Darn if it isn't tough to figure out. Maybe someone will have an answer.

Some cities/counties have periodic haz. waste drop off days. I save this stuff up including mercury thermometers, batteries and electronic stuff.

Check with your local pharmacy/hospitol and see if they will dispose of out dated meds. My does and it make me feel prettu good about not flushing them.

Also check with your local trash pick up company.

[crabbybabby]

Originally Posted by AksarbeN

I’m confused now with were to dump drugs? Some of the landfills that the garbage is taken to have critters that eat there. I wonder if a hospital pharmacy takes them back or will have an idea of how to dispose of them.

I don’t know where it’s been so I can’t tell you where to dispose of it! Mercury shouldn't be tossed away either. Darn if it isn't tough to figure out. Maybe someone will have an answer.

it's nice that you care because not many people think about what happens to things that they throw out. the pharmacy i go to takes back unused drugs and incinerates. they shouldn't go to the landfills, or down the toilet, especially antibiotics. asking a hospital pharmacy is a good idea, however.... i have heard of one major hospital that is simply throwing it out with the garbage and liquids going down the drain. very bad hospital!!

[Roaddog]

I wouldn't worry about the expiration dates on most OTC drugs in a pill form, they may loose some strength but that’s about it, and topical creams are not going to hurt anything, I wouldn't use liquid OTC drugs to much past the date, maybe 6 months buts that just me, I had some old cough syrup that looked kind of nasty.

[Gerania]

OK, I'm guilty, I didn't read the whole thread. My Mom is a nurse and she and I have both worked for Dr's. Oral meds - OK to take till a few months after expiration date if standard OTC, like Ibuprofin, etc. Don't take that sort of chance with anything critical to survival like benadryl if your airway is going to close because of an allergic reaction. Yes, those folks should have better prescription meds with them, but sometimes they don't. Out of date meds lose their effectiveness, but some of them become toxic. The ones that do are usually prescription meds.

Anything that touches flesh during use will become contaminated. If you put a sinus spray applicator into your nostral during use, you will contaminate the product. If you stick your fingers into Vicks or a cream, you introduce germs. Would I use ancient Vicks? Yes! But I would rub it on my chest or something similar and not put it anywhere near my mucous membranes.

When you're sick, you don't need to introduce new/old strains of bacteria and viruses into your system. Coupled with the five year old Tylenol, you're already guaranteed to feel like hell.

Get better soon.

[AliceT]

I imagine most of the things in my house are relics way past their expiration dates. In many cases, I get a real deal on things at thrift stores because they are past their expiration dates. A little common sense goes a long way. If it looks ok, it probably is but ultimately, we are all accountable for ourselves and we have to make those decisions for ourselves. I know I have heated soups that came out of cans marked more than five years previous and it was just fine.

I have a whole bunch of homeopathic remedies that have been in a drawer for a dozen years. There is no doubt in my mind that they are fine.

[joee]

They say your not supposed to use that stuff butttt heck i do it all the time, yea i know i'm crazy your thinkin , i've looked at those and went hmm bettter take more since it's old otc's are so dilluted anyway down the hatch it goes, but in seriousness use that vicks stuff, now the thermometer how many have when you were a kid broke one and went cool look at all these shiny lil balls then years down the road read were those lil cool balls weren't so neat, maybe health dept has an idea what to do with the thing, or heck give it away then poof prob gone