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About Eric Brandt
Expertise
I am a practicing pharmacist.On my drug information website, I have answered hundreds of questions to date. The articles posted on my site include Parkinson`s disease. depression, menopause, diabetes, sleep and aging, congestive heart failure, calcium channel blockers, thyroid hormone replacement therapy, ADHD, multiple sclerosis an more.

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I have experience in retail as well as hospital pharmacy pracice. Currently working in a hospital pharmacy. I am experienced in drug information. Over the last 6 years I have developed a successful web site for drug information.

The addressfor my drug information website is http://www.druginformation.bc.caThere you can read articles on varios areas of health interest. You can also leave me questions which I will personally answer. I also have a free health information newsletter called The Caplet. To subscribe send e-mail to thecaplet-subscribe@topica.com
 
   

You are here:  Experts > Health/Fitness > Pharmacology > Pharmacy > the effectiveness of expired methylprednisolone

Pharmacy - the effectiveness of expired methylprednisolone


Expert: Eric Brandt - 5/4/2007

Question
I suffer from erythma multiforme, which is a less common auto-immune deficiency disease.  I am currently having a breakout, in the form of a deterioration or rawness of the lining of my mouth. I started taking my methylprednisolone 6 day pack today which I've had around for emergencies, before realizing that it expired three months ago. Some of the pills are slightly eroded and I can see some loose powder in the package.  Is this medication safe to take?  Is it still effective?  Thanks

Answer
Hi Paul,
At the expiry date a drug is not guaranteed to have greater than 90% potency of label claim.
At 3 months beyond the xpiry date it is not kown exactly how much the drug has deteriorated but my experience is that there is still some benefit although it may not be 100%. If the drug showing physical breakdown it is likely even less beneficial. Youmay try it, but Isuggest getting a fresh supply if thee is evedence of physicial deterioration.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm

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