CJ Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 Following on from my bad shoulder thread, can someone explain why drugs (as in the prescribed versions) have a use by date? Do they "go off" or is it a ploy by the drug companies to make you throw them away and hence get more? I ask as I had some Diclofenac Sodium (anti inflammatory) here and took them to ease the problem and they worked a treat. However, I looked at them today and noticed that the use by date was 11/2004 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kieren1234 Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 Following on from my bad shoulder thread, can someone explain why drugs (as in the prescribed versions) have a use by date? Do they "go off" or is it a ploy by the drug companies to make you throw them away and hence get more? I ask as I had some Diclofenac Sodium (anti inflammatory) here and took them to ease the problem and they worked a treat. However, I looked at them today and noticed that the use by date was 11/2004 Bloody hell!!! 3 years out of date. I have no idea why they have a use by date but i would seek medical advice just to be on the safe side. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ady Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 yes mate they go off. just like food. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JODY T Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 Ask VVteye, he works in the nursing side of the welsh NHS.... or Mattanna hes a nurse... Cant see how they go off though, best to be safe though eh col... JT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJ Posted November 9, 2007 Author Share Posted November 9, 2007 yes mate they go off. just like food. Even though they are in a sealed airtight package? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJ Posted November 9, 2007 Author Share Posted November 9, 2007 Bloody hell!!! 3 years out of date. I have no idea why they have a use by date but i would seek medical advice just to be on the safe side. Bit late now, I have been taking them for a day! Perhaps time to get some new ones eh? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJ Posted November 9, 2007 Author Share Posted November 9, 2007 Ask VVteye, he works in the nursing side of the welsh NHS.... or Mattanna hes a nurse... Cant see how they go off though, best to be safe though eh col... JT Luckily they can be bought out here over the counter - no need to visit a Doc and wait until he prescribes them. And, at 3 Euro a pack, they are dirt cheap too. I think a visit to the pharmacy is in order here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roboldham Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 I am told that Moroccan black deteriorates a little if left in a drawer for 3 years, even if wrapped tightly in clingfilm - however its medicinal properties are undiminished R Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DamanC Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 Its to do with the chemical breakdown of the producst over time. It simply breaks down over time making it less 'potent'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJ Posted November 9, 2007 Author Share Posted November 9, 2007 I am told that Moroccan black deteriorates a little if left in a drawer for 3 years, even if wrapped tightly in clingfilm - however its medicinal properties are undiminished R That would have come in mightily handy given the pain I was in this week Panadol just doesn't cut it sometimes eh? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJ Posted November 9, 2007 Author Share Posted November 9, 2007 Its to do with the chemical breakdown of the producst over time. It simply breaks down over time making it less 'potent'. Mmm...best I bin these then. Strangely enough, I had another problem recently with haemoroids (no funny comments please) and used the trusty Preperation H. I did this for a few days and would normally have expected a quick end to the problem but that didn't occur. It was only when i looked at the date on the tube I realised why. It was 5 years out of date! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superpaulwilson Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 The use by dates on drugs are more to do with the licensing laws than the deterioration of the active ingredients. Taking diclofenac thats a few years out of date is gonna make no difference. As you said, its in an airtight package. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carl0s Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 It really does depend on the drug. LSD for example deteriorates almost immediately upon contant with chlorine, as found in tap water. It also doesn't like sunlight. Mescaline lasts for ever. Cocaine is hygroscopic, so should be OK as long as it's left in an airtight container away from moisture. MDMA should last forever also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roboldham Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 you could always take this recent advice: http://uk.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUKN0756745220071107 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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