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Pharmacy/expired medication

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Expert: Eric Brandt - 3/3/2006


Question
I have been a long time sufferer of back pain, and recently had a spinal fusion.  I am no longer being prescribed Lortab, but I do have a few Lortab left that expired in 2001.  I thought it may help with "breakthrough pain" after physical therapy sessions.

Is it still safe to take this medication?

Thank you so much for your help,
Cagney

Answer
Hi Cagney,
At the expiry date the manufacturer does not guarantee potency greater than 90% of label claim. It is now 5 years past the expiry date. It is difficult to extrapolate how much benefit you will get from this expired med. To my knowledge it does not deteriorate to toxic compounds so you may try it but do not expect much from it.
Than k you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm

Pharmacy

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Eric Brandt

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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.

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