topic Re: question about expiration dates in Wellness

question about expiration dates

moonandthestars — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 19:23:02 GMT

I have a few unopened boxes of saline solution (sensitive eyes for contact lenses) and one has a expiration date of this month (january) actually I think it says 1/1/2022. Another expired last october - still in box, unopened. I think there was another too. Sheesh. I guess I didn't use them in the right order - But anyway, my question is - should I throw them away? Or are they fine to use?

Re: question about expiration dates

Mz iMac — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 19:25:32 GMT

@moonandthestars Call the company. Phone number should be on the box and/or inside packaging/paperwork.

Re: question about expiration dates

reviewer from sc — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 19:29:40 GMT

Our local news station did a small segment on this topic. They say that most items are ok past their expiration date. These dates are recommendations for when the product is at its best. I found that to be true for our family. Some products, such as crackers, noodles, or rice, we put in the fridge. They stay fresh almost forever.

Re: question about expiration dates

Zhills — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 19:36:59 GMT

I would not use anything expaired in MY eyes!

Re: question about expiration dates

ScrapHappy — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 19:36:31 GMT

Throw them away. My BIL is a chemist, works for large drug company. He said never used expired meds.

Re: question about expiration dates

Janey2 — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 19:38:39 GMT

Expired means they will not clean properly. I would not take a chance with my eyes.

Re: question about expiration dates

Bhvbum — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 19:38:55 GMT

They have to put something and usually it's a guesstimate, I suspect they are fine even a year later since they have preservatives. I would definitely use them.

I laughed when someone said they wouldn't put something expired in their eyes, I wonder how often they put their fingers in their eyes?

Re: question about expiration dates

Zhills — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 19:42:23 GMT

I don't put my fingers in my eyes!

Re: question about expiration dates

moonandthestars — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 19:48:59 GMT

@Bhvbum @Janey2 @ScrapHappy @ScrapHappy @Zhills @reviewer from sc

Thanks everyone - appreciate the feedback - all very valid pov's. Maybe I will call the company tomorrow and see what they say, hopefully they are easy to reach. (don't want to spend a ton of time on this!) Agree with the notion that the fact this goes in the eyes makes it very important to seriously know that it's fine before using.

Re: question about expiration dates

Sooner — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 19:55:19 GMT

@moonandthestars wrote:
I have a few unopened boxes of saline solution (sensitive eyes for contact lenses) and one has a expiration date of this month (january) actually I think it says 1/1/2022. Another expired last october - still in box, unopened. I think there was another too. Sheesh. I guess I didn't use them in the right order - But anyway, my question is - should I throw them away? Or are they fine to use?

@moonandthestars How much do they cost? And is it worth it to take a chance? And how much more would they be out of date if you did use them?

Re: question about expiration dates

KathyM23 — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 20:07:41 GMT

I am funny about expiration dates. I don't like to use anything past its expiration or even with a short time before expiration. I prefer to pitch and buy new fresh. I worked with a woman who ate lots of expired food that was in our work kitchen and said she also did so at home.

Re: question about expiration dates

moonandthestars — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 20:11:30 GMT

@Sooner I hate that I messed up the order I used them, Was very surprised! Plus it really grates on my frugal nature too.. However, I will do a quick check with the company because I would like to know what they say. however will probably throw them - because as we've all said - it's for my eyes.

Re: question about expiration dates

SilleeMee — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 20:34:10 GMT

Throw them away b/c the preservative loses its effectiveness after a specific length of time which means you could be using something which has started to grow things and it's usually fungus.

I know about stuff like that b/c I worked in a quality-control lab where they tested products for contamination. Most of the contaminants found, especially in saline and water-based products, were fungal elements.

Re: question about expiration dates

Tinkrbl44 — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 20:33:20 GMT

@moonandthestars wrote:
@Bhvbum @Janey2 @ScrapHappy @ScrapHappy @Zhills @reviewer from sc

Thanks everyone - appreciate the feedback - all very valid pov's. Maybe I will call the company tomorrow and see what they say, hopefully they are easy to reach. (don't want to spend a ton of time on this!) Agree with the notion that the fact this goes in the eyes makes it very important to seriously know that it's fine before using.

@moonandthestars

Well, it also depends on how easily you can get these, refill availability, and what your co-pay is on them.

Why not stop by where you get your prescriptions filled and talk to the pharmacist?

Re: question about expiration dates

PickyPicky3 — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 22:21:53 GMT

Don't waste your time calling the company. They have to tell you not to use it or they will be liable if something adverse happens.

Re: question about expiration dates

Carmie — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 22:38:24 GMT

I would toss the bottle that expired in October and use the one that expires this month.

Re: question about expiration dates

DiAnne — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 22:49:59 GMT

I volunteered in a food bank for several years and we would keep food one year after expiration date except for baby food but I don't think I would put anything in my eyes that is expired but that is just me.

Re: question about expiration dates

Pezzie — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 23:53:30 GMT

@moonandthestars A lot of things that are past expiration dates will be ok to use, but in the case of contact solution, something that goes into your eyes I would not chance it. The dollars saved won't be worth the potential risk to your eyes.

Re: question about expiration dates

Venezia — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 00:03:58 GMT

@Zhills wrote:
I don't put my fingers in my eyes!

@Zhills - Neither do I. What a silly comment for someone to make in response to your post.

(But last time I looked, my fingers weren't expired, so maybe I'll try it...OUCH! That hurt!)

Re: question about expiration dates

KathyM23 — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 00:33:38 GMT

@SilleeMee Thanks for always giving us a knowlegable opinion based on your education and experience. I'm sure you have helped many of us with your informative posts.