Is it safe to take 3 years past date meds

DX'd - Other
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i dont have insurance so im wondering if i can extend my meds by taking the old samples of the same med i have

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They lose effectiveness as they age.

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i wonder if the loss in effectiveness would be like taking a lower dosage or does it affect the way the meds work like if it turns into something different

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They put those dates on medicine for a reason. The drugs might be lose their potency if they’re too old. Also, it’s conceivable that they might “turn bad” and possibly poison or harm you in some way if they’re too old. Also, one certain AP may stay useable longer than some other AP. i.e. 5 year old risperidone may still be effective while 3 year old prolixen may not work. Those are just theoretical, random examples.
But yeah, old pills might harm you in some way but I don’t know for sure.

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Manufacturers are required by law to put expiry dates on the product, but according to this article those best before dates may not be written in stone:

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I still use a bottle of 20 year old cream that I got from a dermatologist. It still works on an occasional rash i get. You can try it. But your still taking a risk that they wont work as well.

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Ask your doctor. Mine told me that my specific med could be taken up to 2 years past date. I think it depends on each one. They all say they expire in a year, but some last longer. Calling your pharmacist might also work.

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I have meds that are probably older than that. Maybe I should turn them in. What used to be my gym bag is now a pharmacy. I haven’t been to a gym in 10 years.

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The expiration date doesn’t mean the meds magically stop working, some compounds never lose potency while some may. I have taken expired meds and don’t feel scared to do so but that is because I have a chemistry background and know that in order for the meds to change it has to react with something in the vast majority of cases. If the meds are kept out of sunlight, water, and are kept in the bottle they should last for a very long time.

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