It's my Calcium supplements. I've been thinking since last week if I should continue taking them even when it says on the label that it will expire this month. Now that it's October 1st, I decided to do some research before I gulped one this afternoon.I found these 2 very interesting articles that you might want to read:
Do Medications Really Expire?
When Do Medications Actually Expire?
If you don't want to read, let me just give you the gist of these 2 articles. According to them, the expiration dates on medicines were just put there by manufacturers mostly because it's not going to be profitable for them if they don't. Plus, it's a requirement for them to put expiration dates on medicines, it's mandated by law.
Also, based on these 2 articles, the expiration date on medicines is just a marking point for manufacturers to let us consumers know that the meds might have lost their potency or their intensity after that date. But, it doesn't mean that it's no longer safe to still take them. Heck, the author of the Medscape.com article I mentioned above even proves that a 4-year expired Tylenol still worked for his mother-in-law.
HOWEVER, according to both articles, not because the expiration date doesn't reflect exactly how long a medicine would have its effect or potency, we should ignore it completely. IF YOUR LIFE DEPENDED ON THAT MEDICINE, after the expiration date, TOSS IT! If it's just for headaches, upset stomach, or, like mine, a Calcium supplement, it's okay to take it as long as it doesn't look rotten or something.
Soooo... I took that Calcium med earlier. I don't feel anything crazy. I just don't want to throw it away since it still has about 50+ tablets in it.
Wow. I love this new knowledge. :)
I am also hesitant to take expired medications. I usually discard expired ones, but there was one time when I had an allergy in the middle of the night. I had no choice, but to take it. I didn't feel anything funny, but it helped me feel better though. I wouldn't recommend anyone to take expired meds, but there are instances when it may be a person's only choice. Thanks for sharing.
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ReplyDelete@ Mom To A Four Year Old:
ReplyDeleteyeah, same here. i wouldn't really recommend it but if you had no choice, as long as the meds are still in good shape and your life doesn't depend on it, then, it's okay for me.
oh, and by the way, i just found out today i have PCOS, too.
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Even though there are still more than 50 tablets, the amount would not matter if it is expired. If I were you, I'm not going to risk my life over the amount of medication inside.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't risk it unless you really need to. Consult your doctor if you are in doubt
Like what I said, my life doesn't depend on my Calcium meds so that's why I decided to take them even when they're expired already. Anyway, they're supposed to expire this month, October, so I'm pretty sure it's just okay to continue taking them.
ReplyDeleteSo why to you take calcium supplements? I really don't believe in food supplements.
ReplyDeleteYou can get calcium from other food sources. You can get calcium from milk and cheese.
Anyway, I say you'd better stay away from expired meds.
I have always thought that expiration dates on medicine doesn't mean it is now bad but rather it may have lost some of its potency. Your post has bascially just confirmed that for me. Thanks for the tip!
ReplyDelete