AboutBarbara Judge Expertise 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.
Question Hi, My wife was given Amoxicillin 250 few days ago to treat the UTI, she had been taking it 3 times a day since last Thursday (10-May-2007) (17 capsules). We suddenly noticed on (16-May-2007) that the medicine has expired in September 2006. We were greatly worried as she is 18weeks pregnant so we rushed to the Hospital and the GPs did BP checks and temperature etc and said the UTI has not gone away as the medicine won't be as effective as it has gone past its expiry date and won't cause any adverse effects on the Unborn. Is this true ? Can we beleive this ? should we get something done now i.e, scan etc ? any answers is greatly appreciated. And they have now given Amoxicillin 500 within the expiry date (obviously).
Answer The greatest risk of using most expired medications is that they will lose potency and effectiveness. This is what appears to have occured in your wife's case. Amoxicillin is generally considered to be safe for use during pregnancy. Your wife, unfortunately, had lower than effective drug concentrations to cure her infection. This most likely also means there was less drug available to cross the placenta to even reach the Unborn. The biggest risk would be from the untreated infection and its potential complications. The most common complication is repeat infections and, if left untreated, pre-term labor.
I don't think the antibiotic itself should cause any harm. I would make sure to be watchful for signs during the rest of your wife's pregnancy of any repeat infections.
