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Pharmacy/expired medicine

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Question
I have a bottle of keflex500mg that the the org. rx date is 10/15/2007 and expired 10/15/2008 would it harm me to take it now?

Answer
    There is no way to know what changes may or may not have occurred to medication that is beyond its expiration date.  Some medications simply lose effectiveness, others change chemically into entirely new compounds.  Once a medication is expired it is best disposed of and is not worth the risk or making your self sicker than you already are by taking a questionable drug.  I would recommend you see your doctor if you think you are sick enough to require treatment with antibiotics.

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Barb Judge

Pharmacy

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Barbara Judge

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Outpatient pharmacy and general health. I have recently completed a Pharmceutical Care Certificate Program offered by Purdue University (Spring 1999 completion). I have personal experience dealing with terminally ill persons and their needs, as well as their families` needs. I graduated in 1984 from Pharmacy School and have been a Licensed Pharmacist since then. I have 18 years retail pharmacy experience. Prior to my pharmacy training I have 3 years hospital experience as a Nurse`s Aide.

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