How expired is expired?

[tarasue]

Just a quick question--TIA for replies, ladies.

When dairy products expire, there's some lag time between the "use by" date and the date on which they *really* go bad... I don't suppose there's anything similar for meds, is there?

I only need 4 days of PIO, and I have TONS... but it expired a couple of months ago. I'm 5dp5dt and have only been told this afternoon to start PIO because my OHSS is finally getting better. I was told that I wouldn't be put on PIO at all because of how sick I've been the last two weeks, so I didn't order any.

My beta is Friday, and if it's +++++, of course I'll order more PIO in a flash. But I'm only doing 1/2 ml per day between now and then... do I have to throw out my PIO and order more, or do you think what I have might still be good?

--tarasue

[ttollie]

I don't know if it applies for the PIO, but a pharmacist friend of mine told me most pharmaceuticals are good for about a year,if not longer, after expiration date. Could you possibly call the pharmacy where you got it? When I was stimming I called the pharmacy and they were very helpful regarding Follistim questions. Hope it's still good.
natalie

[Isabelle2006]

day 10, 11 and 12 are not too early to HPT..you could see if you might be that way and make your decision. I would think they are fine..

[KarenS-MI]

I believe that I was told that you can use them for 3 months past expiration, but you should double check that. It could also vary from med to med too.

The only thing with those exp. dates, is that while it won't necessarily hurt you, they do lose their potency, so it might not be the strength that you need. Can you call your RE tomorrow & ask if they can do a beta, & if not, ask if they have any PIO that you can use & then replace later?

Personally, I wouldn't use expired meds. Too much at stake & I wouldn't want to be wondering if the meds were really what they should've been, KWIM?

Good luck!

Karen

[3 ladybugs]

I ditto Karen.

DH (his job is to find new drugs) said when I mentioned your post to him that some chemical structures become unstable after a bit of time. I am unsure what that exactly means but to me that doesn't sound good. I do think progesterone is a long chemical structure (if I remember right) and therefore I could see it breaking in spots that would make it more or less uneffective.

I know it stinks but I wouldn't use old Rx's either. In fact I had some old (by a month) prometrium in my house and I asked my RE for a new Rx.

Good luck to you!
Jennifer

[SomedayMommy]

I would get new for just one reason and one reason only. SHOULD the beta be BFN (which of course I hope it won't be), you will always wonder if it was the expired PIO that made the difference. I think the PIO is fine, but for peace of mind, get new..